Role of electrophysiological study and ablation in the management of recurrent atrial flutter associated with haemodynamic compromise in a critically ill patient

Abstract

Atrial flutter is a common arrhythmia. In the critical care setting, the arrhythmia may present in any patient, but it is most commonly seen in patients with impaired ventricular function, valvular disease, atrial dilatation or after cardiac surgery. We present a 68-year-old lady with recurrent poorly tolerated atrial flutter that was resistant to multiple pharmacological interventions and complicated by cardiogenic shock following direct current cardioversion. The flutter was successfully cured with radiofrequency ablation and was followed by an immediate improvement in her haemodynamic status. We review the management of acute atrial flutter and discuss the role of electrophysiologically guided ablation. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.