Radiofrequency catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia in a patient with congenital absence of inferior vena cava
Lima, S.; Cavaco, D.; Saraiva, C.; Gomes, R.; Adragão, P.; Siiva, J.é A.
Revista Portuguesa de Cardiologia Orgao Oficial da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia 29(3): 439-443
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0870-2551 PMID: 20635568 Document Number: 642293
We describe a case of a 54-year-old female referred for ablation of supraventricular tachycardia (recurrent episodes under anti arrhythmic therapy). During a first procedure catheters progressed on the left side of the spine draining to the superior vena cava. Multi-row detector CT angiography revealed infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava with venous blood drainage into the superior vena cava, via the azygos venous system, a previously unknown asymptomatic anomaly. Ablation was subsequently performed successfully using a mixed approach via the right suclavian vein (ablation catheter) and the azygos venous system (diagnostic catheter in the coronary sinus).