[Radiofrequency catheter ablation in permanent atrioventricular junctional reciprocating tachycardia in children].

BACKGROUND

The permanent form of junctional reciprocating tachycardia occurs predominantly in childhood and is frequently refractory to pharmacologic treatment. These patients are at high risk for developing tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Radiofrequency transcatheter ablation appears promising as safe and effective therapy in children.

PATIENTS, METHODS AND RESULTS: Six patients ranged in age from 3 months to 20 years who had the permanent form of junctional reciprocating tachycardia underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation. Five patients had been treated with 3.4 +/- 1.1 antiarrhythmic drugs and one patient did not receive treatment before ablation. Three accessory pathways were located in the right posteroseptal area, two in the left posteroseptal area and one in the left posterior free wall. The six patients had seven successful procedures performed including one after tachycardia recurrence in one patient six weeks after the first ablation session. Five ablation procedures were performed with temperature-guided catheter ablation. The temperature reached during successful radiofrequency applications was 55-60 degrees C at a power output from 24 to 47 W. In the other two procedures 25 W were given. No complications were observed. After a mean follow up of 11.6 months all patients are asymptomatic including a 3 months old patient with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiofrequency transcatheter ablation is an important option of therapy in children with the permanent form of junctional reciprocating tachycardia, including patients with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.