paroxysmal AV nodal reentry tachycardia [Gk, paroxysmos, irritation; L, nodus, knot; Gk, tachys, fast, kardia, heart] , a type of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia usually initiated by a premature atrial complex and sustained by an atrioventricular nodal reentry mechanism. A vagal maneuver is usually successful in restoring sinus rhythm. If it is not, adenosine or verapamil, procainamide, and cardioversion are tried, in succession.
