[Permanent repetitive nonparoxysmal ventricular tachycardia. I. The electrocardiographic manifestations and possible mechanisms of its occurrence].

A total of 20 patients (16 males and 4 females) with repetitive nonparoxysmal ventricular tachycardia (RNVT) underwent Holter monitoring of ECG, bicycle exercise test, intracardiac electrophysiological measurements. The findings evidence for a principal difference of this tachycardia form from paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia by trigger mechanism. All the tests performed showed rhythm-dependence of RNVT, tachycardia cannot be initiated by electrocardiostimulation, but can be stopped after intravenous introduction of finoptin. It is evident that this form of cardiac arrhythmia is due to the mechanism of pathological ectopic automatism represented, most likely, by trigger activity, but not re-entry, as it is in the majority of patients with paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia.