Evaluation of cardiac functions after catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

BACKGROUND/AIM: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) is the most effective method of supraventricular tachycardia therapy. Recurrent supraventricular tachycardia causes systolic dysfunction and dilated cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term alterations of atrial and ventricular functions after RFAof typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 55 consecutive patients with symptomatic drug-resistant AVNRT who had had an invasive electrophysiology study and RFA. Speckle-tracking–based echocardiographic assessment was performed shortly before and 1 year after the operation. Left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) peak systolic strain (PSS) and atrial strain measurements were performed. RESULTS: RFA successfully eliminatedtachyarrhythmia in all patients. LV apical 4-chamber PSS –20.8% (–24.7 to –16.0) vs. –22.8% (–26.6 to –17.0, P < 0.001), LV apical 2-chamber PSS –21.5% (–26.8 to –10.1) vs. –22.0% (–27.8 to –13.7, P < 0.001), LV global PSS –20.4% (–26.4 to –14.4) vs. –23.0% (–27.1 to –2.3, P < 0.001), RV global PSS –26.0% (–30.0 to –18.0) vs. –26.5% (–32.1 to –19.7, P < 0.001), and peak left atrial longitudinal strain 41.0% (19.0–71.8) vs. 54.0% (25.6–82.0, P < 0.001) were significantly improved 1 year after RFA. CONCLUSION: RFA of AVNRT not only provides relief of palpitations but also improves cardiac functions.