Resolution of cardiomyopathy after ablation of atrial flutter

Objectives. We sought to serially assess left ventricular (LV) function before and after catheter ablation of atrial flutter (AFI). Background. The relation of tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy to AFI and its response to direct catheter ablation are unknown. Methods. LV function was assessed in a series of 59 consecutive patients with successful radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of AFI before and after the procedure. Eleven patients had dilated cardiomyopathy (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] <50%) and congestive heart failure (CHF) symptoms and are the subject of this report. LV function was assessed by LVEF on two-dimensional echocardiography and functional status by New York Heart Association (NYHA) CHF classification. Results. Patients were 59 +/- 8 years old, and were all male, Five patients had a preablation diagnosis of idiopathic cardiomyopathy, The preablation LVEF was 30.9 +/- 11.0% and improved to 41.3 +/- 16% (p = 0.005) when measured 7 months after successful ablation. NYHA CHF class improved from 2.6 +/- 0.5 to 1.6 +/- 0.9 (p = 0.002). Six (55%) of 11 patients had normalization of the LVEF,,vith complete resolution of CHF symptoms, A lower preablation LVEF and functional class predicted nonresolution of dilated cardiomyopathy (p = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusions. Restoration of normal sinus rhythm by RFA in patients with chronic AFI and cardiomyopathy substantially improved LV function, Resolution of dilated cardiomyopathy occurred in the majority of patients. Tachycardia induced cardio myopathy may be a more common mechanism of LV dysfunction in patients with AFI than expected, and aggressive treatment of this arrhythmia should be considered, (C) 1998 by the American College of Cardiology.