The ECG role in identifying the etiology of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC)

Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) is a well recognized entity of heart failure (HF) and various mechanisms due to tachyarrhythmias have been postulated to be responsible for impaired cardiac contractility. Previously reported cases showed reversibility of such disorders whenever stable cardiac rhythm is maintained adequately and we report on a 16-year-old boy who has been diagnosed to have TIC, which was misinterpreted initially as sinus tachycardia secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. A complete recovery of his left ventricular function was achieved by radiofrequency catheter ablation and highlights the importance of a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) assessment in such patients.