[Esophageal pacing in children. 38 consecutive cases].

On the occasion of a preliminary series of 38 cases, the authors review the esophageal pacing technique and its main indications. On the therapeutic level, the esophageal lead may be successfully used to decrease supraventricular tachycardias due to reentry (typical or atypical flutter, reciprocating nodal tachycardia with or without WPW). As a means of investigation, esophageal pacing is overall useful to diagnose undocumented paroxysmal tachycardia fits (palpitations), to evaluate the refractory stage of an accessory pathway (WPW) or to assess the refractory stage of antiarrhythmia medications. This investigation may also be used to assess the sinusal function, the atrioventricular conduction (Wenckebach point) and the spontaneous rhythm of atrioventricular blocks after pacemaker insertion. Due to the technical improvements achieved, esophageal pacing may be used presently in pediatric units taking care of children with arrhythmias.