Radiofrequency catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes improved left ventricular function in a non-responder to cardiac resynchronization therapy

Europace. 2007 May;9(5):285-8. doi: 10.1093/europace/eum005. Epub 2007 Mar 29.

Abstract

Frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) have been demonstrated to cause tachycardiomyopathy in some individuals with a structurally normal heart. We report a patient with severe congestive cardiomyopathy which did not respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Ambulatory monitoring and interrogation of the device memory revealed frequent monomorphic PVCs that were considered a potential cause of the failure of CRT. Radiofrequency ablation of the focus at the postero-inferior left ventricle eliminated the arrhythmia, with a resultant rapid improvement in the clinical status and echo parameters. As PVCs are often associated with severe heart failure, the presence of frequent extrasystoles may be an underrecognized cause of a non-response to resynchronization therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / physiopathology
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / surgery
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology*
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes / physiopathology*
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes / surgery*