Sick sinus syndrome disclosed by the successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of persistent common atrial flutter

Sick sinus syndrome was disclosed in a 77 year-old man after a radiofrequency (RF) linear catheter ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus for persistent common atrial flutter. Prolongation of corrected sinus node recovery time, sinoatrial conduction time and AH interval, as observed after RF ablation, suggested binodal (sinus as well as atrioventricular node) dysfunction. Adams-Stokes syndrome due to sinus arrest was encountered on the day of RF ablation and a permanent DDD pacemaker was implanted consequently. Our experience indicates that careful observation is very important after the RF ablation when atrial flutter is associated with sick sinus syndrome. The present case suggests that binodal dysfunction underlies persistent atrial flutter and vice versa.