Open AccessConversion of Infarction‐Associated Atrial Fibrillation by Restoration of Atrial Perfusion
Author(s) -
Blanton Robert M.,
Nappi Anthony,
Kimmelstiel Carey D.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.20573
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiology , atrial fibrillation , sinus rhythm , atrial flutter , occlusion , angioplasty , cardiac catheterization
Abstract We report a patient who presented with new onset atrial fibrillation in the setting of inferior ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Cardiac catheterization revealed proximal occlusion of the left circumflex artery. Balloon angioplasty and stenting restored flow to a large left atrial branch, with prompt conversion of the rhythm to atrial flutter, and then to sinus rhythm. To our knowledge this represents the first demonstration of restoration of sinus rhythm by reversing left atrial ischemia in the setting of STEMI.