Broad complex rhythm with a salty taste

A 65-year-old female patient with a medical history of stroke and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presented to the neurologist at the emergency department of our hospital because of progressive weakness, dyspnoea, and fatigue. Her fluid intake had been minimal because of her malaise. She had no history of syncope. She used the following medications: warfarin, flecainide, and metoprolol. Initial physical examination showed a blood pressure of 105/65 mmHg, a heart rate of 90/min, and no fever. She was clinically mildly decompensated: she had bilateral pulmonary rales and ankle oedema. A CT scan of the brain did not show any significant abnormalities. Laboratory results showed: creatinine 108 µmol/l; MDRD-GFR 44 ml/min; sodium 137 mmol/l; potassium 5.3 mmol/l; calcium 2.2 mmol/l; and magnesium 0.87 mmol/l.

Fig. 1 shows the initial ECG on admission. After taking her daily medication at the emergency department, the ECG evolved to Fig. 2. Eventually, she was admitted to the cardiac care unit.

Fig. 1 [Images not available. See PDF.]

ECG upon arrival to the emergency department

Fig. 2 [Images not available. See PDF.]

Follow-up ECG during stay at the emergency department

What is your (differential) diagnosis?

Answer

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