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- Title
Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Complicating Catheter Ablation of Focal Atrial Fibrillation.
- Authors
Scanavacca, Mauricio I.; Kajita, Luiz J.; Vieira, Marcelo; Sosa, Eduardo A.
- Abstract
Introduction: A recently described focal origin of atrial fibrillation, mainly inside pulmonary veins, is creating new perspectives for radiofrequency catheter ablation. However, pulmonary venous stenosis may occur with uncertain clinical consequences. This report describes a veno-occlusive syndrome secondary to left pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency catheter ablation. Methods and Results: A 36-year-old man who experienced daily episodes of atrial fibrillation that was refractory to antiarrhythmic medication, including amiodarone, was enrolled in our focal atrial fibrillation radiofrequency catheter ablation protocol. The left superior pulmonary vein was the earliest site mapped, and radiofrequency ablation was performed. Atrial fibrillation was interrupted and sinus rhythm restored after one radiofrequency pulse inside the left superior pulmonary vein. Atrial fibrillation recurred and a new procedure was performed in an attempt to isolate (26 radiofrequency pulses around the ostium) the left superior pulmonary vein. Ten days later, the patient developed chest pain and hemoptysis related to seven left superior and inferior pulmonary veins stenosis. Balloon angioplasty of both veins was followed by complete relief of symptoms after 2 months of recurrent pulmonary symptoms. The patient has been asymptomatic for 12 months, without antiarrhythmic drugs. conclusion: Multiple radiofrequency pulses applied inside the pulmonary veins ostia can induce severe pulmonary venous stenosis and veno-occlusive pulmonary syndrome.
- Subjects
PULMONARY veins; ARTERIAL stenosis; ATRIAL fibrillation; ATRIAL arrhythmias; CATHETER ablation; HEMORRHAGE
- Publication
Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2000, Vol 11, Issue 6, p677
- ISSN
1045-3873
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1540-8167.2000.tb00030.x