Is there an isolated arrhythmogenic right atrial myocarditis?
M Fromer1, C Genton, J Schlaepfer
1Division of Cardiology, Medical Clinic, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
European Heart Journal
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Drug-resistant ectopic atrial tachycardia may stem from focal right atrial myocarditis. Map-guided surgery can potentially cure this condition, even without ventricular involvement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Drug-refractory ectopic atrial tachycardia presents a clinical challenge.
- Previous studies suggested right atrial aneurysms in similar cases.
Observation:
- Two patients with drug-refractory ectopic atrial tachycardia underwent map-guided partial right atrial resection.
- Intraoperative findings did not reveal aneurysmal formations.
- Histopathology confirmed focal atrial myocarditis in both patients.
Findings:
- Postoperative biopsies excluded ventricular myocarditis.
- One patient showed a minor elevation in echovirus antibodies.
- Postoperative electrophysiologic studies were negative, indicating successful intervention.
Implications:
- Focal right atrial myocarditis, without ventricular involvement, is a potential cause of drug-resistant ectopic atrial tachycardia.
- Map-guided surgical resection of affected atrial tissue offers a curative treatment option.
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