Accelerated ventricular rhythm in children: a review and report of a case with congenital heart disease.

We report a child with accelerated ventricular rhythm (AVR) and congenital heart disease. Three children with congenital heart defect associated with AVR were previously reported, but in each AVR occurred only postoperatively. Because our patient's 24-hour electrocardiograph recording showed AVR rates, and differences between sinus and AVR rates, exceeding published childhood limits, we reviewed the topic. On the basis of our review, we suggest guidelines for diagnosing AVR and differentiating it from ventricular tachycardia.