Case report: Efficacy analysis of radiofrequency catheter ablation combined with atrial appendage resection for atrial tachycardia originating from the atrial appendage in children

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) combined with atrial appendage (AA) resection to treat atrial tachycardia (AT) originating from the AA in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the Ensite three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping system, three children with AT originating from the AA were diagnosed. Clinical features and electrocardiographic (ECG) manifestations were analyzed. Ablations were performed using a cold saline-infused catheter at appendages targeting loci of AT origin under the guidance of the Ensite system. Atrial appendage resection was performed in combination with cardiac surgery, and the curative effect was evaluated. RESULTS: The ages of the three patients were 3.5, 5.75, and 12.9 years. Two cases originated from the right atrial appendage (RAA) and one originated from the left atrial appendage (LAA). The ECG characteristics of AT from the RAA were as follows: (1) negative P waves in lead V1; (2) positive P waves in leads II, III, and aVF; (3) positive P wave in lead I with varying shapes in lead aVL; and (4) prolonged PR interval with no QRS wave after some P waves. The ECG of the LAA was characterized by (1) positive P waves in lead V1 with a bimodal pattern; (2) positive P waves in leads II, III, and aVF; and (3) negative P waves in leads I and aVL. Preoperative echocardiography showed cardiac enlargement and a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in all three cases. One case was cured after RFCA, and the remaining two cases required AA resection after RFCA. No recurrence was detected at 1–18 months of follow-up, and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and LVEF returned to normal. CONCLUSION: Atrial tachycardia originating from the AA in children showed a characteristic P-wave presentation on ECG, and sustained episodes of AT resulted in tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Children who are not successfully controlled by RFCA or who have a recurrence after RFCA could benefit from AA resection.