Cardioneuroablation: don’t underestimate the posteromedial left atrial
ganglionated plexus.
Abstract
Introduction Cardioneuroablation (CNA) is a technique used to modulate
cardiac parasympathetic tone in patients with sino-atrial (SA) and
atrio-ventricular (AV) vagally mediated syncope. We describe the case of
a patient who developed AV block after a first procedure of CNA,
requiring a second procedure. Case presentation A 47-Year-old man
presented with recurrent syncope (daily episodes) associated with high
vagal tone conditions. An ECG monitoring showed frequent episodes of
sinus bradycardia and sinus arrest, with pauses up to 17 seconds. AV
node conduction impairment was never identified. A CNA procedure
targeting the right superior and posterior ganglionated plexi (GPs),
both from the left and right atrium, was performed with acute success.
The subsequent night, repetitive episodes of AV block with normal sinus
rate were observed. A second procedure was performed targeting the
posteromedial left GP. Follow-up at 4 months showed no recurrent
syncopal event and no bradyarrhythmia episode on the implantable loop
recorder. Conclusion This case report demonstrates that ablation limited
to the right superior and posterior GPs may not be enough for
neurocardiogenic syncope and a more systematic approach, extending the
ablation to the posteromedial left GP, should be considered.