Accessory pathway in left inferoposterior diverticulum masquerading as left posterior pathway due to conduction over

Azlan Hussin1, Prashanthan Sanders, Peter M Kistler

  • 1Department of Cardiology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville 30510, Australia.

Insights

An unusual accessory pathway was found in a left inferoposterior diverticulum, mimicking a left lateral pathway. This discovery followed four unsuccessful ablation attempts for supraventricular tachycardia.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Cardiac Anatomy

Background:

  • Accessory pathways can cause supraventricular tachycardia.
  • Left lateral pathways are common targets for ablation.
  • Diverticula can present diagnostic challenges in electrophysiology.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with recurrent supraventricular tachycardia despite multiple failed ablation procedures.
  • The accessory pathway was located in a left inferoposterior diverticulum.
  • Activation patterns suggested a left lateral pathway, complicating diagnosis.

Findings:

  • The accessory pathway's activation sequence mimicked a left lateral pathway due to a coronary sinus to left atrium connection.
  • The true anatomical substrate was an inferoposterior diverticulum, not a typical left lateral location.
  • This case highlights a rare cause of ablation failure.

Implications:

  • Accurate anatomical localization is crucial for successful ablation of accessory pathways.
  • Unusual pathway locations and activation patterns require careful electrophysiological assessment.
  • Understanding rare cardiac anomalies can improve treatment strategies for complex arrhythmias.

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