Recurrent polymorphic ventricular tachycardia complicating radiofrequency catheter ablation of the atrioventricular junction.
Recurrent ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation were observed immediately after RF ablation of the AV junction in a 64-year-old man. This arrhythmia was preceded by ventricular bigeminy and a long-short sequence. It was not associated with prolongation of the QT interval compared to baseline, and recurred 3 months later despite ventricular pacing at 90 beats/min. This is the first reported case of sustained ventricular arrhythmia complicating RF AV junction ablation despite rapid ventricular pacing, and recurring 3 months after discharge. It may explain the rare cases of sudden death complicating this procedure.
Azar
R R
RR
Division of Cardiology, Hartford Hospital, Connecticut 06102, USA.
Lippman
N
N
Kluger
J
J
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001283:Atrioventricular Node / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012008:Recurrence; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology