[Left ventricular dysfunction induced by monomorphic ventricular arrhythmias: large improvement in ventricular function after radiofrequency ablation of the arrhythmic source].
Left ventricular systolic dysfunction related to ventricular arrhythmias is a relatively poorly understood entity. To increase our knowledge base, we describe 5 patients in whom the link between ventricular dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmia was unequivocally established. All patients had repetitive monomorphic ventricular arrhythmias and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction < or =40% and end-diastolic size > or =55 mm). The arrhythmogenic source was identified by electrophysiological study (right ventricle in 2 patients, left ventricle in 2, and left sinus of Valsalva in one), and was eliminated in all patients by radiofrequency catheter ablation. At 7+/-2 months post-ablation, large improvements were seen in left ventricular function and remodeling (ejection fraction >/=50% and end-diastolic size < or =51 mm in all cases), with no recurrence of arrhythmia during follow-up (10-69 months). This finding confirms that recurring ventricular arrhythmias can induce left ventricular dysfunction which may be reversible after ablation.
Fernández-Guerrero
Juan C
JC
Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.
Tercedor
Luis
L
Alvarez
Miguel
M
Lozano
José M
JM
González-Molina
Mercedes
M
Azpitarte
José
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*