Logistic of AV-nodal conduction during atrial fibrillation-support for intermittent nodal reentry

A bimodal distribution of RR-intervals, an indicator of dual AV-nodal input, can be demonstrated in most patients with atrial fibrillation. The relation between consecutive RR-intervals was studied in 38 patients with pronounced bimodal distribution of the RR-intervals. First-order Markov analysis revealed pronounced and individual deviations from the stochastically expected distribution in most patients. This finding supports the concept that AV-nodal reentry is a mechanism of importance for the perpetuation of atrial fibrillation.<>