Which electrocardiographic finding is associated with digoxin toxicity?

Which electrocardiographic finding is associated with digoxin toxicity?

• A. Ventricular tachycardia
• B. PVCs, atrial tachycardia with AV block
• C. Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response
• D. Sinus tachycardia

Answer: (B)

Digoxin toxicity disrupts cardiac conduction by boosting vagal influence on the AV node while also increasing ectopic atrial activity. The most characteristic ECG pattern is atrial tachycardia with AV block, where a rapid atrial rate originates in the atria but the AV node conduction is intermittently blocked, producing an irregular or slowed ventricular response. Ventricular ectopy, such as premature ventricular contractions, is also common in toxicity. While other arrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation with rapid response, or sinus tachycardia can occur in various situations, the combination of PVCs with atrial tachycardia and AV block is specifically associated with digoxin toxicity.

Digoxin toxicity disrupts cardiac conduction by boosting vagal influence on the AV node while also increasing ectopic atrial activity. The most characteristic ECG pattern is atrial tachycardia with AV block, where a rapid atrial rate originates in the atria but the AV node conduction is intermittently blocked, producing an irregular or slowed ventricular response. Ventricular ectopy, such as premature ventricular contractions, is also common in toxicity. While other arrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation with rapid response, or sinus tachycardia can occur in various situations, the combination of PVCs with atrial tachycardia and AV block is specifically associated with digoxin toxicity.