Successful Treatment of Tachycardia-induced Cardiomyopathy with Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation

ABSTRACT

Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy is caused by chronic tachyarrhythmias. It is characterized by ventricular systolic dysfunction and dilatation and by clinical manifestations of heart failure. We experienced three children with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Two with ectopic atrial tachycardia and one with left ventricular tachycardia were treated successfully by radiofrequency catheter ablation. The clinical and echocardiographic features of cardiomyopathy induced by tachyarrhythmia were reversible after rhythm control. Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy should be considered in patient with unexplained systolic dysfunction and any form of tachyarrhythmia as a reversible etiology. Radiofrequency catheter ablation can be a safe and effective treatment in patients with tachyarrhythmia which is complicated by ventricular dysfunction.