Open AccessCatheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in chagasic cardiomyopathy
Author(s) -
Rosas Fernando,
Velasco Victor,
Arboleda Felipe,
Santos Hernando,
Orjuela Hernando,
Sandoval Nestor,
Caicedo Victor,
Correa Juan,
Fontaine Guy
Publication year - 1997
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.4960200215
Subject(s) - medicine , catheter ablation , cardiology , cardiomyopathy , ventricular tachycardia , catheter , ablation , tachycardia , radiology , heart failure
There is a limited experience with catheter ablation for treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in Chagasic cardiomyopathy. A 30‐year‐old woman experienced episodes of palpitations and syncope due to attacks of VT. A diagnosis of Chagas disease was established on a biological basis. Two‐dimensional echo and contrast ventriculography showed an apical aneurysm with thrombus. Surgery was indicated to resect the aneurysm and ablate the VT. Ventricular tachycardia recurred 1 month later despite therapy, including amiodarone. Two clinical frequent and well‐tolerated tachycardias were identified. The site of origin was located in the right ventricular apex and in the apical‐lateral wall of the left ventricle, respectively. Catheter ablation was performed at two sites with DC shocks (total energy 600 J) after unsuccessful radiofrequency ablation. Holter recordings performed during the postoperative period showed only infrequent extrasystoles. After follow‐up of 24 months the patient remains asymptomatic. Drug‐refractory VT in Chagasic cardiomyopathy can be ablated by medium‐energy DC shocks after failure of radiofrequency ablation.