Acute massive pulmonary embolism after radiofrequency catheter ablation: a rare complication after a common procedure.
A 41-year-old man received an electrophysiological study (EPS) and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) in our hospital. Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) with hypotension developed 9 hours after these procedures. After emergent pulmonary angiography and catheter-directed intrathrombus urokinase infusion and clot breaking, the patient recovered well. This case suggests that life-threatening PE may occur in patients who receive EPS, RFCA, or both. An adequate observation time after RFCA and clinical alertness are necessary for immediate diagnosis and treatment. Emergent catheter-directed therapy may be of benefit in some patients with acute massive PE.
Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
Chen-Ying
CY
Hung
Tung-Chao
TC
Lin
Yu-Cheng
YC
Hsieh
Wen-Lieng
WL
Lee
Jin-Long
JL
Huang
Wei-Chun
WC
Chang
Chih-Tai
CT
Ting
Tsu-Juey
TJ
Wu
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D013611:Tachycardia, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry / Q000601:surgery