The coronary sinus as a focal source of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: more evidence for the 'fifth pulmonary vein'?
The coronary sinus (CS) has been described as a substrate being involved in the atrial fibrillation (AF) process. However, there are no data describing the CS as a single source of AF. We report a patient with paroxysmal AF who demonstrated an arrhythmogenic focus within the proximal CS as single source initiating and driving AF. This discrete spot was characterized by a sharp "pulmonary vein-like" spike potential preceding every beat during AF and following the atrial potential during sinus rhythm. Radiofrequency ablation at that site led to elimination of the spike potential, disappearance and noninducibility of AF.
Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany. rostock@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Thomas
T
Rostock
Boris
B
Lutomsky
Daniel
D
Steven
Stephan
S
Willems
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012804:Sick Sinus Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D013614:Tachycardia, Paroxysmal / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery