Radiofrequency catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND: Compared to other non-ischemic substrates, there is limited data on the role and outcome of catheter ablation in HCM. The objective of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation for the treatment of VT in patients with HCM. METHODS: Fourteen patients with HCM and drug refractory VT who underwent catheter ablation at a single center were included in this study. The data was evaluated retrospectively. Acute success, procedure-related complications, and long-term outcomes were documented during follow up. RESULTS: Among the 14 patients (mean age 48.2 ± 8.2 years, 85.7% males, mean LVEF 42.6 ± 6.5%), 4 had an apical aneurysm. Eleven patients had evidence of scar-related VT and three patients had a bundle-branch re-entry VT. The most common sites for scar-related VT were the border-zones of the apical aneurysms, basal septum, and LV lateral wall. Patient either underwent an endocardial ablation or a combined endocardial and epicardial ablation. Acute success was achieved in all patients. In 6 patients VT was terminated during ablation. In two patients, non-clinical VTs were inducible at the end of the procedure. No major or minor complications were observed during and after the procedure in all patients. During long-term follow up, elimination of VTs reached 78%. CONCLUSION: Catheter ablation of VT in patients with HCM is safe and successful in eliminating VT. Combining endocardial and epicardial ablation techniques can potentially lead to better outcomes in these patients. Bundle branch re-entry should be considered as a potential mechanism of VT in patients with HCM.