Long-term follow-up after radiofrequency ablation of ectopic atrial tachycardia in young patients.

Abstract

AIM:

Ectopic atrial tachycardia (EAT) is a common arrhythmia in children, adolescents, and young adults. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is often considered the treatment of choice in this population. We sought to evaluate the long-term follow-up after RF ablation.

METHODS AND RESULTS:

We retrospectively analyzed 36 young patients (age range 8-29 years), with clinical signs and symptoms suspected for EAT who underwent an electrophysiological study in our center. We evaluated the safety and acute success rate of ablation and the long-term follow-up. Ectopic foci were more frequently localized in the right atrium along the crista terminalis (28%) and EAT was successfully terminated in 97% of patients. At median follow-up (38 months), the recurrence rate was 20% with mostly recurrences expressed within 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study confirmed the safety and high acute success rate of EAT ablation in a population of children, adolescents, and young adults. Therefore, catheter ablation of EAT can be considered early in the course of treatment of these patients. The evidence of most recurrences within 6 months could be useful for advising patients on likely outcomes.

• Authors: Cristina Balla, Sara Foresti, Hussam Ali, Antonio Sorgente, Gabriele Egidy Assenza, Guido De Ambroggi, Gianluca Epicoco, Pierpaolo Lupo, Riccardo Cappato
• Journal: Journal of arrhythmia (J Arrhythm) Vol. 35 Issue 2 Pg. 290-295 (Apr 2019) ISSN: 1880-4276 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 31007796 (Publication Type: Journal Article)