Long-Term Follow-Up of inducible Bundle Branch Reentrant Ventricular
Tachycardia: Beyond the Electrophysiology Laboratory
Abstract
Background: Bundle branch reentrant ventricular tachycardia
(BBR-VT) is a rare form of VT occurring in patients with structural
heart disease (SHD). Rarely, it can also occur in the absence of SHD.
Understanding its clinical and electrophysiologic (EP) properties and
outcomes post-catheter ablation (CA) is crucial. Objective: We
describe a case series of patients diagnosed with BBR-VT regarding
clinical and EP characteristics, as well as long term follow-up after
CA. Methods: All cases of BBR-VT that were diagnosed during EP
study in our lab were evaluated. Clinical characteristics and EP
findings were described. Results: Sixteen patients (12/16 male; mean age
50±21) with BBR-VT were studied from 2009-2020, with a mean follow-up of
70±16 months. Notably, nearly half (7; 43%) had no SHD. Patients
without SHD (7; 43%) had Steinert dystrophy (3/7), SCN5A mutations
(2/7), ajmaline-induced (1/7) or idiopathic BBR-VT (1/7). We suggest an
algorithm for the evaluation of patients with BBR-VT without SHD. The
induced BBR VT had a mean cycle length of 322±22 ms, was well tolerated
in 10/16. A RBB CA was performed with an 8 mm solid-tip catheter. The HV
interval increased from 72±9 to 100±23 ms. One patient developed total
AV block. After the procedure, either a dual chamber pacemaker (10/16)
or an ICD (3/16) was implanted. No patient presented VT recurrence.
Conclusion: Although traditionally associated with patients
with dilated cardiomyopathy, our study demonstrates that nearly half of
BBR-VT cases occur in patients with structurally normal hearts. Once
these patients are identified, Steinert’s disease should be considered
as a potential underlying condition. . In the absence of ocular
abnormalities, genetic testing may be warranted, particularly in the
attempt to identify SCN5A mutations. Right bundle branch ablation is
effective in most cases; however, device implantation is often required
to ensure optimal long-term management.