Identification of the dominant loop of a dual-loop macro-reentry left atrial flutter without prior intervention using high-density mapping technology: A case report

Abstract

Background: Left atrial flutter without prior cardiac interventions is uncommon, especially dual-loop macro-reentry atrial flutter. The critical step to ablate dual-loop macro-reentry atrial flutter is to identify the dominant loop and key isthmus. Although entrainment mapping could help identify the dominant loop and key isthmus, it may alter or terminate tachycardia. High-density mapping allows the generation of electroanatomic maps without altering or terminating tachycardia.

Case summary: Here, we report a case of symptomatic left atrial flutter without prior intervention. In this case, high-density mapping revealed a dual-loop macro-reentry around the mitral annulus and central scar of the anterior wall. The propagation result showed that the dominant loop was around the mitral annulus, and the key isthmus was between the central scar and mitral annulus. The atrial flutter terminated successfully after ablation was performed.

Conclusion: In this case, we demonstrate that high-density mapping technology may help identify the dominant loop of dual-loop atrial flutter without entrainment, which makes ablation easier.

Keywords: Case report; Dominant loop; Dual-loop atrial flutter; High-density mapping; Macro-reentry.