WIDE-COMPLEX TACHYCARDIA IN PREGNANCY

A 39-year-old woman was seen in the emergency department for palpitati on that had begun 18 hours earlier and persisted continuously. She was in the 2 1 st week of pregnancy and had been taking pseudoephedrine c apsules for a cold. She had had episodes of palpitation for about 10 y ears and for a time had taken digoxin and a beta-adrenergic blocking a gent, without clear benefit. Special studies had been done, but no spe cific further therapy was suggested. Her only previous pregnancy had b een uncomplicated. She appeared anxious but had no dyspnea, chest disc omfort, or neurologic symptoms. Temperature was 36.5-degrees, pulse 13 8 and irregular, respiratory rate 16, and blood pressure 101/74. The b lood counts and serum electrolyte values were normal. The ECG is shown .