The characteristic flapping or bulging appearance of the neck veins is also described as the “Frog sign.”
“Frog sign” during narrow QRS complex tachycardia has been considered to be particularly helpful in making the diagnosis of typical AVNRT.
What is the mechanism of Frog Sign?
Parallel electrical activation of the atria and ventricles.
Canon A waves which occur with AV dissociation result from simultaneous contractions of the atria and ventricles against closed mitral and tricuspid valves, causing reflux of blood into the neck veins. The characteristic flapping or bulging appearance of the neck veins is also described as the “Frog sign.”
“Frog sign” during narrow QRS complex tachycardia has been considered to be particularly helpful in making the diagnosis of typical AVNRT.
Atria and ventricles activate one after another “in sequence” with AVRT as opposed to “in-parallel” as during AVNRT
Since the atria and ventricles activate one after another “in sequence” with AVRT as opposed to “in-parallel” as during AVNRT, the interval between the QRS and the P waves is longer in the former, and retrograde P waves are often visible superimposed on the ST-T wave.
Typical AVNRT – retrograde P waves occur early, so we either don’t see them (buried in QRS) or partially see them (pseudo R’ wave at terminal portion of QRS complex)
AVRT – retrograde P waves occur later, with a long RP interval > 70 msec.
Three primary types of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) –
Slow-fast AVNRT: – typical AVNRT, this is the most common type of AVNRT.
Fast-slow AVNRT: – uncommon type of AVNRT.
Slow-slow AVNRT: – atypical type of AVNRT
What is the basis of above classification of AVNRT ?
These types are classified based on the ratio of atrial-His/His-atrial intervals, the VA interval, and the site of earliest retrograde atrial activation.
How can we classify AVNRT using RP interval?
The RP interval – the time between the R-wave and P-wave RP interval – can also be used to differentiate between the types of AVNRT.
Typical AVNRT – Short RP interval
Atypical and very atypical AVNRT – long RP interval.
1. What does the “Frog Sign” indicate in a patient with PSVT?
A. Bradycardia due to sinus node dysfunction
B. Atrial flutter with variable block
C. Cannon A waves due to AV dissociation
D. Pulmonary hypertension signs
Explanation: The Frog Sign is due to cannon A waves caused by atrial contraction against a closed tricuspid valve during AVNRT.
2. Frog Sign is most commonly seen in which type of PSVT?
A. Atrial fibrillation
B. AVNRT (Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia)
C. WPW syndrome with orthodromic conduction
D. Sinus tachycardia
Explanation: AVNRT is associated with AV dissociation during tachycardia, causing visible cannon A waves—termed Frog Sign.
3. Cannon A waves are produced when:
A. Atria contract against a closed tricuspid valve
B. Ventricle contracts against closed aortic valve
C. Tricuspid regurgitation is present
D. Ventricular diastole is prolonged
Explanation: The atrium contracting when the tricuspid valve is closed leads to retrograde venous pressure—seen as cannon A waves.
4. Frog sign is best observed in:
A. Carotid artery
B. Jugular venous pulse
C. Radial artery
D. Apex impulse
Explanation: Jugular veins reflect right atrial activity. Frog sign manifests as giant venous pulsations here.
5. Which physical description best matches the frog sign?
A. Bulging neck veins resembling frog’s throat
B. Weak thready pulse in extremities
C. Pulsatile liver edge
D. Cyanotic lips with peripheral edema
Explanation: The term “Frog Sign” comes from the bulging of neck veins during episodes of PSVT resembling a frog’s throat.
6. Which of the following triggers is commonly associated with AVNRT and Frog Sign?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Caffeine or emotional stress
D. Chronic beta-blocker use
Explanation: AVNRT and Frog Sign are often seen in young people triggered by stress, caffeine, or excitement.
7. The mechanism of AVNRT involves:
A. Accessory pathway between atria and ventricles
B. Reentry circuit within AV node
C. Automatic focus in the pulmonary veins
D. SA node conduction delay
Explanation: AVNRT is caused by a reentrant loop within the AV node using slow and fast pathways.
8. Which ECG feature supports AVNRT diagnosis?
A. Delta wave
B. Retrograde P wave just after QRS
C. Multiple P waves for each QRS
D. Irregularly irregular rhythm
Explanation: In AVNRT, retrograde P waves may be buried or just after QRS due to simultaneous atrial and ventricular contraction.
9. What is the heart rate usually observed in AVNRT?
A. 40–60 bpm
B. 150–250 bpm
C. 90–100 bpm
D. 60–70 bpm
Explanation: AVNRT typically presents with a narrow-complex tachycardia at a rate between 150–250 bpm.
10. Frog sign is absent during:
A. Normal sinus rhythm
B. AVNRT episode
C. Atrial tachycardia
D. Ventricular ectopy
Explanation: Cannon A waves—and thus the frog sign—occur only during arrhythmias involving AV dissociation, not in normal rhythm.
11. The “cannon A wave” is seen due to:
A. Atrial contraction during ventricular systole
B. Atrial fibrillation
C. SA node pause
D. Mitral stenosis
Explanation: Cannon A waves occur when atria contract while the tricuspid valve is still closed, usually during AV dissociation.
12. AV dissociation means:
A. Atria and ventricles contracting independently
B. SA node suppression
C. AV node block only
D. Simultaneous atrial and ventricular contraction always
Explanation: AV dissociation occurs when atrial and ventricular contractions are no longer synchronized.
13. In what clinical setting is the Frog Sign most easily observed?
A. Patient at rest, supine
B. During PSVT episode while sitting upright
C. During sleep
D. After exercise recovery
Explanation: Frog sign becomes visible during PSVT episodes due to jugular venous pulsation when sitting or semi-reclined.
14. Which vein best shows the Frog Sign?
A. Internal jugular vein
B. Subclavian vein
C. Basilic vein
D. Cephalic vein
Explanation: The internal jugular vein lies in line with right atrial pressure and best reflects atrial activity.
15. Termination of AVNRT and Frog Sign is often achieved by:
A. Epinephrine infusion
B. Vagal maneuvers or adenosine
C. Beta agonists
D. Digoxin bolus
Explanation: Vagal maneuvers or adenosine transiently block the AV node and terminate AVNRT, resolving the Frog Sign.
16. What physical exam maneuver can help accentuate the Frog Sign?
A. Carotid massage
B. Inspiration
C. Sitting upright with neck extended
D. Coughing vigorously
Explanation: The Frog Sign becomes more visible in the upright position with neck extended, allowing jugular pulsations to be seen.
17. Which of the following is NOT a feature of AVNRT?
A. Sudden onset and offset
B. Narrow QRS complexes
C. Irregularly irregular rhythm
D. Retrograde P waves
Explanation: AVNRT typically produces a regular rhythm. Irregularly irregular rhythms are characteristic of atrial fibrillation.
18. Frog Sign may resemble pulsations seen in:
A. Mitral valve prolapse
B. Complete heart block
C. Aortic dissection
D. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
Explanation: Cannon A waves are also seen in complete heart block, due to AV dissociation similar to AVNRT.
19. What diagnostic test confirms the presence of AVNRT in a patient with Frog Sign?
A. 12-lead ECG during tachycardia
B. Chest X-ray
C. Transthoracic echocardiogram
D. Holter during normal sinus rhythm
Explanation: A 12-lead ECG during the PSVT episode confirms the diagnosis of AVNRT by showing narrow QRS tachycardia with hidden or retrograde P waves.
20. A patient presents with visible neck pulsations and palpitations. What is the next best step?
A. Obtain ECG to assess for PSVT
B. Schedule routine echocardiogram
C. Start long-term anticoagulation
D. Reassure the patient without workup
Explanation: ECG during symptoms is essential to confirm PSVT, especially when Frog Sign is observed.