Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in structurally normal hearts

Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2010 May;8(5):651-61. doi: 10.1586/erc.10.25.

Abstract

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients without structural heart disease can be observed in 10% of patients presenting with ventricular arrhythmias. These VTs are characterized by QRS morphology, ventricular origin and their response to pharmacologic agents. It is essential to rule out structural heart disease in this population as this can significantly alter the management and the long-term prognosis. These VTs generally have a benign course and therapeutic options are aimed at relieving symptoms related to the arrhythmia. Medical therapy is effective in many patients and radiofrequency offers a cure to those who are refractory to medical therapy. Careful attention to the electrocardiogram can help localize the origin of the VTs, which is crucial when planning an ablation strategy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Catheter Ablation* / methods
  • Contraindications
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography / methods
  • Electrocardiography / methods
  • Heart Diseases / complications
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Prognosis
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / diagnosis
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / etiology
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / physiopathology
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / surgery*