The Undetermined Geometrical Factors Contributing to the Transverse Conduction Block of the Crista Terminalis

BACKGROUND: The crista terminalis (CT) is known to be a functional barrier during typical atrial flutter (AFL). The relationship between the CT structural characteristics and its transverse conduction block, however, has not been understood well. METHODS: This study consisted of AFL (group 1, N = 15) and non-AFL patients (group 2, N = 13). The CT structural characteristics were determined with intracardiac echocardiography. A 20-pole electrode catheter was located along the CT and pacing at progressively faster rates from either low anterolateral right atrium (LRA) or coronary sinus (CS) was applied. RESULTS: The CT height, width, and area were significantly greater in group 1 than in group 2 (P < 0.001). In both groups, at the longest pacing cycle length during CS pacing resulting in CT transverse conduction block at some levels, the width and area were significantly greater at the levels with block than at those without block. During LRA pacing, the area was also significantly larger at the levels with block than at those without in group 1, but not in group 2. The slope angle of CT ridge was significantly steeper at the levels with block than at those without in both groups (P < 0.01), but that was not the case with CS pacing. CT arborization in its inferior portion was more frequently documented in group 1 than group 2 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The CT structural characteristics that may influence its transverse conduction differ between LRA and CS pacing. Steep slope and arborization of the CT are implicated as a geometric factor in its transverse conduction block.