Abnormal systemic venous Doppler flow patterns in atrial tachycardia in infants.

Congestive heart failure due to atrial tachycardia in the neonate may be caused in part by altered preload and changes in diastolic flow characteristics. During atrial tachycardia, venous flow reversal is present. Onset of flow reversal is associated with a ventriculoatrial interval. Decreased tricuspid valve inflow mean velocity and time velocity integral, decreased diastolic duration, and delayed diastolic onset were present during tachycardia when compared with sinus rhythm.