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.
Abstract:
We report the case of an accessory pathway in a left inferoposterior diverticulum. The pathway masqueraded as a true left lateral pathway due to the direction of activation over a coronary sinus to left atrium connection. The patient had undergone four prior failed ablation attempts at other institutions using both a transseptal and retrograde approach.
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