[Influence of the treatment of the atrioventricular reentry tachycardia by RF catheter ablation on the left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and exercise capacity].

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of RF ablation on parameters of left ventricular (LV) function and exercise capacity in patients with AVRT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 24 subjects (10M, 14F), mean age 38.1+/-8.9 years. Subjects over 50 years of age, with concomitant cardiovascular disease and EF<50% were excluded from the study. The following examinations were performed in all patients at baseline and at six months after the procedure: 1) physical examination, 2) standard ECG recording, 3) 24hr Holter monitoring, 4) transthoracic ECHO, 5) treadmill exercise test using the modified Bruce protocol to evaluate exercise duration, peak heart rate and workload achieved.

RESULTS: After RF ablation NYHA functional class improved in the whole population. The left ventricular dimensions (LVESD, LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), fractional shortening (FS) in AVRT group remained unchanged. Parameters of LV diastolic function significantly improved, whereas systolic pulmonary venous flow S and pulmonary venous atrial reversal flow AR were significantly reduced (p<0.005, p<0.001, respectively). All dimensions of the left atrium significantly decreased after the procedure (p<0.001). In all patients parameters of exercise capacity were increased after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AVRT RF ablation did not affect significantly left ventricular dimensions and systolic function. Elimination of AVRT resulted in improved NYHA functionalclass, diastolic LV function, exercise capacity and reduction of left atrial size.