Memory Deficits among Children and Adolescents with Paroxysmal Cardiac Arrhythmia

The aim of this study was to assess memory functioning among children and adolescents with atrial-ventricular nodal re-entry tachycardia (AVNRT) and atrial-ventricular re-entry tachycardia (AVRT). A total of 113 pediatric cardiology clinic patients (62 F, 51 M), aged 9–18 years, who were scheduled for radiofrequency ablation due to AVRT or AVNRT underwent neuropsychological examination. Patients who had suffered a cardiac arrest, or had a congenital heart defect, neurological disorders or other diseases affecting cognitive or emotional development were excluded from the study. The control group consisted of 41 patients diagnosed at the same clinic who did not show any significant cardiovascular or nervous system disorders. Standardized tests were used to measure verbal and visual memory and visuo-spatial functions (Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, Benton Visual Retention Test and Rey’s Complex Figure Test). Cognitive disorders were found significantly more frequently in the study group (47.8%) than in the control group (22%; Chi=8.30, p=0.004). An early age at the onset of attacks, especially under the age of six, was an important factor that negatively affected cognitive functioning (Chi=3.87, p=0.04). AVNRT and AVRT in childhood have adverse effects on cognitive and emotional development.