Three-dimensional mapping and intracardiac echocardiography are important tools for the study of the site of origin of an arrhythmia and its substrate. This review examines the application of these techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of sinoatrial tachycardias with a special focus on the syndrome of inappropriate sinus tachycardia. The use of these techniques in electrophysiologic mapping and interventions such as catheter ablation is discussed. Three-dimensional mapping provides unique insights into the generation of normal and abnormal sinus impulses in man and their propagation in the atrium. It permits precise placement of ablation lesions and assessment of real-time electrophysiologic impact of these interventions. Intracardiac echocardiography provides delineation of important anatomic structures in the vicinity of the sinoatrial node complex and monitors the safety of interventions such as catheter ablation.
Keywords: Cardiac mapping; Intracardiac echocardiography; Sinoatrial tachycardia; Sinus tachycardia.