Abstract
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a transient acute cardiac disorder often associated
with QT prolongation, but this rarely leads to torsades de pointes (TdP). Additionally,
it is a rare complication of catheter ablation. Here we report a case of TCM that
developed after catheter ablation for common atrial flutter, which led to TdP.
The patient was an 85-year-old male who had persistent supraventricular tachycardia,
which was considered atrial flutter. The patient was hospitalized for congestive heart
failure. Although the response to diuretic administration was unfavorable, heart failure
improved with the combined use of rate control by landiolol. Catheter ablation was
performed because of the possibility of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Tachycardia
disappeared following ablation to the cavotricuspid isthmus, but the patient complained
of severe pain during the ablation. Approximately 2 h after the treatment, the patient's
heart failure re-exacerbated. The next day, electrocardiogram confirmed a marked QT
prolongation, and TdP occurred.
Although the phenomenon we experienced is rarely reported, it should be considered
a complication following catheter ablation. Adequate analgesia, care for anxiety about
treatment, and evaluation of cardiac condition after treatment are considered important.
<Learning objective: We encountered a case who developed torsades de pointes due to takotsubo cardiomyopathy
after catheter ablation for atrial flutter. Currently, the efficacy and safety of
catheter ablation have been established. This procedure has become widespread worldwide
and is expected to progress in the future. Through this case, we want to focus on
a rare complication of catheter ablation. Although the phenomenon we experienced is
rarely reported, it should be considered a possible complication.>
Keywords
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 25, 2021
Accepted:
November 2,
2021
Received in revised form:
October 14,
2021
Received:
July 5,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
