Third-degree AV block sensitive to prednisolone 72 hours post AVNRT ablation

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Radiofrequency ablation is a common treatment for supraventricular tachycardias.
• Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most frequent type of supraventricular tachycardia.
• Complications, though rare, can occur during radiofrequency ablation procedures.

Observation:

• A patient undergoing radiofrequency ablation for AVNRT experienced a transient first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block.
• Three days post-procedure, the patient developed a complete third-degree AV block.
• The third-degree AV block resolved spontaneously within 24 hours.

Findings:

• Antiphlogistic therapy was initiated for the AV block.
• The patient remained asymptomatic and did not require pacemaker implantation.
• Follow-up at 12 months showed no recurrence of AV block or need for intervention.

Implications:

• Transient AV block is a potential, albeit rare, complication of AVNRT ablation.
• Prompt recognition and conservative management, including antiphlogistic therapy, may be effective.
• This case suggests that pacemaker implantation may not always be necessary for resolving AV block post-ablation.