Acute coronary occlusion secondary to radiofrequency catheter ablation of a left lateral accessory pathway

A case of asymptomatic acute coronary occlusion secondary to radiofrequency catheter ablation of a left lateral accessory pathway is reported. Due to post-procedural ST modifications of the surface ECG, a coronary angiography was performed which disclosed total occlusion of the first marginal branch of the left circumflex coronary artery. Acute myocardial infarction was confirmed by moderate cardiac enzyme release, abnormal myocardial perfusion scan and mild lateral hypokinesia at echocardiography. This rare but potentially harmful complication of interventional electrophysiology should be kept in mind and coronary angiography performed immediately when coronary occlusion related to radiofrequency application is suspected.