Identification of the slow conduction zone in a macroreentry circuit of verapamil-sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia using electroanatomic mapping

Identification of the Slow Conduction Zone in a Macroreentry. Background: Although idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) has been shown to possess a slow conduction zone (SCZ), the details of the electrophysiological and anatomic aspects are still not well understood. Objective: We hypothesized that the SCZ can be identified using a 3‐dimensional electroanatomic (EA) mapping system. Methods : Ten patients with ILVT were mapped using a 3‐dimensional electroanatomic (EA) mapping system. After a 3‐dimensional endocardial geometry of the left ventricular was created, the conduction system with left Purkinje potential (PP) and the SCZ with diastolic potential (DP) in LV were mapped during sinus rhythm (SR) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) and were tagged as special landmarks in the geometry. The electrophysiological and anatomic aspects of it were investigated. Results: EA mapping during SR and VT was successfully performed in 7 patients, during VT in 3 patients. The SCZ with DPs located at the inferoposterior septum was found in 7 patients during SR and all patients during VT. The length of the SCZ was 25.2 ± 2.3 mm with conduction velocity 0.08 ± 0.01 m/s. No differences in these parameters were found between patients during SR and VT (P > 0.05). An area with PP was found within the posterior septum. A crossover junction area with DP and PP was found in 7 patients during SR and VT. This area with DP and PP during SR coincided or were in proximity to such area during VT and radiofrequency ablation targeting the site within the area abolished VT in all patients. Conclusion: The ILVT substrate within the junction area of the SCZ and the posterior fascicular can be identified and can be used to guide the ablation of ILVT. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 840‐845, August 2012)     

Diastolic potentials observed in idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RF-CA) has demonstrated a high success rate in eliminating idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT), and the target site is determined by the score of pace mapping or the Purkinje potential (PP) preceding the onset of the ventricular activation, which is considered to indicate the exit site of the reentrant circuit. However, only a few reports have described the potential obtained from the slow conduction zone. RF-CA was successfully performed in 8 patients with ILVT. Careful mapping of the left ventricle during tachycardia was carried out to find the diastolic potential (DP). A DP was obtained in 4 patients (group 1), but not in 4 others (group 2). The local electrogram was recorded from the distal tip of the ablation catheter during the RF current application in order to investigate the pattern of termination of ILVT. A DP was recorded at the point where the catheter was slightly pulled back to a site proximal to the exit site of the reentrant circuit at the left interventricular basal septum. In group 1, conduction block between the DP and PP eliminated ILVT in 3 out of 4 cases, and 1 case showed conduction block between the DP and ventricular potential. In 2 out of 4 patients in group 2, the local electrogram showed conduction block between PP and the ventricular potential when VT terminated. The ablation site in group 1 was located relatively more basal than that in group 2 in anatomy. A DP was obtained in a half of the cases with ILVT and RF-CA at this site could eliminate ILVT. A DP was obtained at a site relatively basal to the exit of the reentrant circuit and it is considered that this is a useful marker in terms of the successful ablation of ILVT.     

左室特发性室性心动过速折返路径标测和消融点的选择

报道 1 0例 (男 8、女 2 )左室特发性室性心动过速 (简称室速 )折返路径标测结果和选择折返路径的不同部位为消融点的消融效果。电生理检查常规插入右室心尖与冠状静脉窦电极 ,并经左、右股动脉分别插入大头电极和2 8 2mm间距冠状静脉窦 1 0极标测电极至左室 ,后者贴靠在室间隔表面。窦性心律时各电极对可依次记录到His束电位 (HP)、左束支电位 (LBP)和左后分支的蒲氏纤维电位 (PP) ,室速时仍可同时记录到上述各电位 ,但顺序相反 ,PP领先 ,HP最后 ;而各部位的V波激动顺序在窦性心律和室速时是相同的 ,都是远端电极 (PP以远 )的V波最早 ,近端电极 (HP)的V波最晚。大头电极置于PP电极对附近。结果 :1 0例中 9例能记录到折返路径各电位心内电图 ,折返路径记录成功率为 90 % ( 9/1 0 )。第 1例大头电极位于PP电极对略上方处放电 ,消融成功 ,但导致完全性左束支阻滞。第 2 ,3例开始在PP电极对略下方处放电 ,但凡未记录到PP的点 ,虽然V波最早 ,都是放电无效点。最后消融成功的点 ,都记录到最领先的PP。第 4例以后 ,都必须记录到最领先的PP后才放电 ,除 1例 2次放电成功外 ,都是 1次放电成功。 1 0例随访至今 3～ 1 8个月 ,未服任何抗心律失常药均无室速发作。结论 :左室标测法不仅对研究左室特发性室速的折返     

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of left ventricular tachycardia in the normal heart

Background: Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is a safe and effective cure for many forms of supraventricular tachycardia. Its efficacy in the cure of right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia, and some forms of left ventricular tachycardia in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, has also been shown. In contrast limited data are available to assess the role of RF catheter ablation in treating idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT), an unusual form of tachycardia occurring in patients without demonstrable heart disease.
Aim: To examine the efficacy and safety of RF catheter ablation in patients with ILVT.
Methods: Three patients without structural heart disease and with recurrent drug-refractory ILVT (right bundle branch block and left axis morphology) underwent electrophysiologic study (EPS) to initiate and localise the site of origin of their VT. RF catheter ablation of the VT focus was performed, with success being defined as failure to reinduce VT during incremental infusion of isoprenaline.
Results: In all three patients VT was inducible by rapid right atrial pacing and/or programmed ventricular stimulation, and could be terminated by intravenous verapamil. RF catheter ablation was successful in all patients. The site of successful ablation was common to each patient and was localised to the infero-apical aspect of the left ventricular septum. It was characterised by the recording of the earliest presystolic 'P' potential during both sinus rhythm and induced ILVT. No complications occurred during the procedure. During follow-up periods ranging from six to 12 months there were no symptomatic or documented episodes of recurrent ILVT.
Conclusions: We conclude that ILVT can be safely and effectively cured by RF catheter ablation.     

左室特发性室性心动过速常规方法消融困难的线性消融

目的:探讨在常规方法消融困难的左室特发性室性心动过速（ILVT）患者中室间隔左室面线性消融的有效性。方法: 18例术中不能诱发持续性心动过速或发作时不能耐受患者,进行室间隔左室面心尖到心底部连线的前1/3～1/2区域,在窦性心律下首先标到蒲肯野氏纤维电位（PP）,向下至室间隔与左室下壁交界、向上至前后间隔中线进行线性消融,术后门诊或电话随访。结果: 所有患者术后即刻均未能诱发出ILVT。随访3~35（23±13）个月,3例/18例（17%）复发,远期成功率达83%,无1例发生永久性的并发症。结论: 对于术中不能诱发持续性心动过速或发作时不能耐受的ILVT患者,室间隔左室面线性消融安全有效,可以作为补救性消融措施。     

Mechanisms of Idiopathic Left Ventricular Tachycardia

Idiopathic Left Ventricular Tachycardia. Idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) differs from idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) tachycardia with respect to mechanism and pharmacologic sensitivity. ILVT can he categorized into three subgroups. The most prevalent form, verapamil-sensitive intrafascicular tachycardia, originates in the region of left posterior fascicle of the left bundle. This tachycardia is adenosine insensitive , demonstrates entrainment, and is thought to he due to reentry. The tachycardia is most often ablated in the region of the posteroinferior interventricular septum. A second type of ILVT is a form analogous to adenosine- sensitive RVOT tachycardia. This tachycardia appears to originate from deep within the interventricular septum and exits from the left side of the septum. This form of VT also responds to verapamil and is thought to he due to cAMP-mediated triggered activity. A third form of ILVT is propranolol sensitive. It is neither initiated or terminated by programmed stimulation, does not terminate with verapamil, and is transiently suppressed by adenosine, responses consistent with an automatic mechanism. Recognition of the heterogeneity of ILVT and its unique characteristics should facilitate appropriate diagnosis and therapy in this group of patients.     

Demonstration of diastolic and presystolic Purkinje potentials as critical potentials in a macroreentry circuit of verapamil-sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the relation of diastolic and presystolic potentials recorded during verapamil-sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) to reentry circuit. BACKGROUND: Successful ablation of verapamil-sensitive ILVT at the zone of slow conduction from which the diastolic potential is recorded has been reported. However, the relationship between the diastolic potential and the reentrant circuit remains a matter of debate. METHODS: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation was performed in 20 patients with verapamil-sensitive ILVT. After identifying the ventricular tachycardia (VT) exit site, we searched for the mid-diastolic potential (P1) during VT. Entrainment followed by RF current application was performed. If the mid-diastolic potential could not be detected, RF current was applied at the VT exit site showing the earliest ventricular activation with a single fused presystolic Purkinje potential (P2). RESULTS: In 15 of 20 patients, both P1 and P2 were recorded during VT from midseptal region. Entrainment pacing captured P1 orthodromically and reset the VT. The interval from stimulus to P1 was prolonged as the pacing rate was increased. Radiofrequency ablation was successfully performed at this site in all 15 patients. After successful ablation, P1 appeared after the QRS complex during sinus rhythm with the identical sequence to that during VT. In the remaining five patients, the diastolic potential could not be detected, and a single fused P2 was recorded only at the VT exit site. Successful ablation was performed at this site in all five patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that P1 and P2 are critical potentials in a circuit of verapamil-sensitive ILVT and suggests the presence of a macroreentry circuit involving the normal Purkinje system and the abnormal Purkinje tissue with decremental property and verapamil-sensitivity.     

Comparison of Presystolic Purkinje and Late Diastolic Potentials for Selection of Ablation Site in Idiopathic Verapamil Sensitive Left Ventricular Tachycardia

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic verapamil-sensitive left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) is the most common form of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (VT). Different methods have been proposed for ablation of ILVT. METHODS: Between June 2002 and February 2004, 15 patients (12 men; age 28 +/- 11 years, range 12 to 51) with ILVT underwent radiofrequency (RF) ablation at our center. We retrospectively assessed the significance of recording purkinje potential (PP) and late diastolic potential (DP) and its effect on selection of ablation target and number of RF application. RESULTS: Sixteen VTs were observed. The clinical VT had either RBBB and left axis morphology (14 cases) or RBBB and right axis morphology (2 cases). The QRS duration during tachycardia was 124 +/- 12 ms and the tachycardia cycle length was 356 +/- 53 ms. DP and PP were recorded at the targeted area for RF ablation in 11 and 9 patients respectively. The PP-Q interval, DP-Q interval and DP width were 18 +/- 4, 53 +/- 18 and 14 +/- 8 ms, respectively. The number of RF application was 7.2 +/- 4.3. Fewer applications were needed in whom RF ablation was initially targeted to PP (with or without DP) recording site (10 patients, 4.7 +/- 1.8) compared to those targeted to DP recording site (5 patients, 12.2 +/- 3.3) ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared to DP alone, earliest PP (with or without concomitant DP) might be superior for selection of target site of RF ablation in patients with ILVT.     

Structure of the reentrant circuit of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia: new insights into the role of the Purkinje network

In idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT), the reentrant circuit is considered to involve the Purkinje system, and the Purkinje potential (P-potential) appears to be a marker for successful ablation. However, the characteristics of the reentrant circuit in ILVT have not yet been defined. In 2 cases of ILVT, we performed detailed mapping along the left ventricular septum during VT and sinus rhythm. ILVTs were successfully ablated at the posteroapical area of the left ventricular septum where the high frequency P-potential was recorded and this portion was considered to be the exit site of the reentrant circuit. A small P-potential was also recorded at the portion proximal to the exit site, and it preceded the P-potential at the exit site. However, the local ventricular electrogram at the exit site preceded that at the proximal site during VT. Moreover, the small P-potential was orthodromically entrained by ventricular pacing from the proximal site. These findings suggest that the reentry circuit of ILVT appeared to have considerable size.     

The morphology changes in limb leads after ablation of verapamil-sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia and their correlation with recurrence

Objectives: This study was designed to explore the morphology changes in limb leads of ECGs after successful ablation of verapamil sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) and their correlation with tachycardia recurrence.
Methods: Between January 2001 and December 2006, 116 patients who underwent successful ablation of ILVT were included in the study. Twelve-lead surface ECG recordings during sinus rhythm were obtained in all patients before and after ablation to compare morphology changes in limb leads.
Results: The ECG morphology changes after ablation were divided into two categories: one with new or deepening Q wave in inferior leads and/or disappearance of Q wave in leads I and aVL, and the other without change. The changes in any Lead II, III, or aVF after ablation occurred significantly more in patients without recurrence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) (P < 0.0001, 0.002, and 0.0001, respectively). The patients with recurrence of VT tended to have no ECG changes, compared with those without recurrence of VT (P = 0.009). The sensitivity of leads II, III, and aVF changes in predicting nonrecurrence VT were 66.7%, 78.7%, and 79.6%, specificity were 100%, 75%, and 87.5%, and nonrecurrence predictive value of 100%, 97.7%, and 98.9%, respectively. When inferior leads changes were combined, they could predict all nonrecurrence patients with 100% specificity.
Conclusions: Successful radiofrequency ablation of ILVT could result in morphology changes in limb leads of ECG, especially in inferior leads. The combined changes in inferior leads can be used as an effective endpoint in ablation of this ILVT.     

Hazards of intravenous verapamil for sustained ventricular tachycardia

In 11 of 25 patients (44%) with sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) who received intravenous verapamil (5 to 10 mg), acute severe hypotension or loss of consciousness developed, necessitating immediate cardioversion. Comparison of these 11 patients with the 14 who did not have adverse effects after verapamil revealed no significant difference in age, heart disease, ejection fraction, blood pressure before verapamil administration, other oral or intravenous drugs use, verapamil dose or VT characteristics (rate and morphologic pattern). Although most patients with severe adverse effects after verapamil had prior myocardial infarction, deterioration also occurred in patients without coronary disease and in patients with a normal left ventricular ejection fraction. VT terminated after verapamil infusion in 6 patients. No single electrocardiographic morphologic pattern characterized these patients. A control group of 25 patients presenting with hemodynamically stable VT who received other antiarrhythmic agents was examined. Hypotension developed in only 1 patient during acute therapy and did not require emergency cardioversion. Thus, although verapamil may terminate VT, severe adverse effects occur much more often. Use of verapamil to differentiate supraventricular tachycardia with aberrant conduction from ventricular tachycardia is hazardous.     

Successful catheter ablation of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia during sinus rhythm

Successful catheter ablation of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) can be performed at the site of the earliest Purkinje potential or at the site with recording of diastolic and presystolic Purkinje potentials simultaneously during ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, these critical potentials might be difficult to be recorded and mapped in some patients during VT. It is rare to report the ablation of ILVT during sinus rhythm. We present a case with ILVT who received successful catheter ablation during sinus rhythm.     

A Case with Occurrence of Antidromic Tachycardia After Ablation of Idiopathic Left Fascicular Tachycardia: Mechanism of Left Upper Septal Ventricular Tachycardia

A 36‐year‐old male presented with verapamil‐sensitive narrow QRS tachycardia. The patient underwent the catheter ablation of common idiopathic left fascicular ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) 2 years ago. During narrow QRS tachycardia, the diastolic and presystolic potentials (P1 and P2) were recorded at the left septum. Activation sequences of P1 and P2 were opposite from those in common ILVT. Entrainment of P1 at the upper septum exhibited concealed fusion and S‐QRS equal to P1‐QRS. Radiofrequency current to P1 suppressed VT. Idiopathic left upper septal VT might be the antidromic macroreentry of the common form of ILVT.     

射频消融治疗特发性室性心动过速疗效观察

目的 :评价射频消融术治疗特发性室性心动过速 (室速 )临床疗效。方法 :5 6例特发性室速患者中 ,34例左室特发性室速采用EPT小、中弯大头导管 (或Webstr小弯大头 ) ,在左室行激动顺序标测和消融 ,以P电位较QRS起点提前 2 0ms以上作为消融靶点。 2 2例右室流出道室速采用Webster加硬导管在右室流出道行起搏标测 ,以起搏时与心动过速时体表 12导联QRS形态完全相同或最接近处为消融靶点 ,成功标准为放电过程中心动过速终止且不能诱发。结果 :5 1例患者消融成功 ,成功率 91.1%。 34例左室特发性室速中 30例靶点位于左室间隔中下部 ,2例近左室心尖 ,1例左室流出道 ,1例位于间隔高位。 31例消融成功 ,1例失败 ,2例因导管到达间隔处机械刺激终止室速而不能再诱发 ,于终止室速处作为靶点射频消融 ,1例于术后第 2天、另 1例半年后室速复发。 2 2例右室流出道室速 ,16例位于流出道间隔侧 ,6例位于流出道游离侧壁。 19例起搏标测到与心动过速 12导联QRS形态完全相同靶点 ,1例形态接近 ,消融获成功。 2例未能诱发室速 ,射频消融 1个月心动过速重新出现 ,所有患者无并发症出现。结论 :射频消融术对特发性室速是一种安全有效的治疗方法 ,可作为首选治疗。电生理未诱发室速或机械刺激终止室速不宜尝试射频消融治疗。     

Mechanisms of chronic recurrent idiopathic ventricular tachycardia

In 24 patients with idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT), mechanisms of VT and the effects of antiarrhythmic drugs after induction were studied electrophysiologically, and by exercise testing. VT was induced electrophysiologically in 14 patients. Class 1 antiarrhythmic drugs were effective in 7 of them, which implied that one of the mechanisms of idiopathic VT was reentry related to the depressed channel dependent slow conduction. In 6 of the 14 patients, the QRS morphology of VT showed a complete RBBB with axis deviation pattern and the tachycardia was responsive to verapamil. In 2 of them, induction of VT was facilitated at low plasma verapamil concentrations. In the other 2 patients, left ventricular mapping showed that a notched potential preceding each QRS complex and the retrograde His bundle deflection with a short interval were recorded during VT. These findings suggested that the mechanism of this type of VT was reentry, mediated by Ca dependent slow conduction and located within the left bundle branch network. Exercise testing provoked VT in eight. Beta-blockers and Ca-antagonists were effective in 6 and in 4, respectively. These findings indicate the possibility that in addition to enhanced automaticity or reentry, triggered activity could play a role in the genesis of exercise related VT.     

Calcium channel antagonists and arrhythmias

Ca channel antagonists (CCA) including verapamil and diltiazem work as antiarrhythmic drugs. Because CCA suppresses conduction through atrio-ventricular (AV) node, it is effective on both AV reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) and AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). It is also useful to reduce ventricular response during atrial fibrillation/flutter. Idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (VT) with a right bundle-branch block configuration and superior axis is sensitive to verapamil, and thus called as verapamil-sensitive VT. A caution should be needed to prevent adverse effects based on cardio-depressive effects of CCA.     

Non-contact mapping and linear ablation of the left posterior fascicle during sinus rhythm in the treatment of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia.

AIM: The reentry circuit of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) has been demonstrated to be confined to the left posterior Purkinje network. We hypothesized that mapping and linear ablation of the left posterior fascicle (LPF) during sinus rhythm guided by non-contact mapping can effectively modify the arrhythmogenic substrate in patients with ILVT and abolish the tachycardia. METHODS: Six patients with ILVT, consisting of one case in which conventional mapping failed three times, one recurrent case, one non-inducible case and three common cases, were included in the study. After a three-dimensional endocardial geometry of the left ventricle (LV) was created, the conduction system in the LV was mapped during sinus rhythm using a filter setting of 8 Hz. The His bundle area, left bundle branch, fascicles and sinus breakout point (SBO) were mapped in detail and tagged as special landmarks in the geometry. A linear lesion was placed perpendicular to the wave front propagation direction of the LPF, 1cm above the SBO. There was a small Purkinje potential preceding the ventricular activation at its starting and ending point. RESULTS: The mean tachycardia cycle length of ILVT in this study was 340.3+/-51.4ms. After a mean of 5.5+/-1.6 radiofrequency deliveries, the clinical tachycardias could not be induced and the 12-lead surface ECG showed right QRS axis deviation (mean 39.7+/-26.0 degrees) in all patients. The total procedure time was 160.0+/-32.2 min with fluoroscopic time of 26.0+/-6.8 min. No ILVT was inducible during control stimulation, and none recurred during a mean follow-up of 13.0+/-4.8 months. CONCLUSION: Mapping and linear ablation of the Purkinje network in LPF area guided by non-contact mapping is an effective and safe treatment of ILVT with radiofrequency energy, especially for those ILVTs which were unsuccessfully treated by conventional means or were non-inducible or non-sustained during the procedure.     

Demonstration of the reentrant circuit of verapamil-sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia: direct evidence for macroreentry as the underlying mechanism

The exact reentrant circuit of verapamil-sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) remains unclear. This case report demonstrates the reentrant circuit of ILVT. A 20-pole electrode catheter was placed along the left posterior fascicle during electrophysiologic study. ILVT was reproducibly induced by programmed ventricular stimulation. During the tachycardia, sequential diastolic potentials bridging the entire diastolic period were observed in the recordings from the electrodes positioned from left ventricular mid-septum to inferoapical septum. The slow conduction zone appeared to be composed of a false tendon in this patient. Entrainment of the ILVT from the right ventricular outflow tract at a different pacing cycle length revealed that a dominant conduction delay occurred at the proximal site of the slow conduction zone. Entrainment studies from several sites on the left ventricular septum confirmed that these sites where sequential electrical activity was recorded were included within the reentrant circuit. However, the left posterior fascicle itself seemed to be a bystander. This report provides the direct evidence of macroreentry as the underlying mechanism of this ILVT, adjacent to the left posterior fascicle.     

Demonstration of the presence of slow conduction during sustained ventricular tachycardia in man: use of transient entrainment of the tachycardia

To test the hypothesis that an area of slow conduction is present during reentrant ventricular tachycardia in man, and that the earliest activation site during ventricular tachycardia is within or orthodromically just distal to the area of slow conduction in the reentry loop, we studied 12 episodes of ventricular tachycardia (mean rate 185 +/- 32 beats/min) that were induced in nine patients with ischemic heart disease. Rapid ventricular pacing was performed at selected sites during ventricular tachycardia while recording electrograms from an early activation site relative to the onset of the QRS complex (site A) and from a site close to the pacing site (site B). Rapid pacing from the right ventricular apex during ventricular tachycardia with a right bundle branch block pattern and from selected left ventricular sites during ventricular tachycardia with a left bundle branch block pattern (mean pacing rate 202 +/- 38 beats/min) resulted in constant ventricular fusion beats on the electrocardiogram except for the last captured beat (i.e., the ventricular tachycardia was entrained) in 11 of 12 episodes. During entrainment: sites A and B were activated at the pacing rate, conduction time from the last pacing impulse to the last captured ventricular electrogram at site A (St-A interval) was 359 +/- 69 msec and spanned the diastolic interval, while that at site B (St-B interval) was only 28 +/- 13 msec, site A had the same ventricular electrogram morphology as that during ventricular tachycardia, while site B had a different electrogram morphology, indicating that site A was activated in the same direction during entrainment as during ventricular tachycardia. Eight episodes of ventricular tachycardia were entrained at two or more different pacing rates. The St-A interval increased during pacing at the faster rate(s) in four of eight episodes, while the St-B interval remained unchanged. Rapid ventricular pacing performed from the same site during sinus rhythm (mean pacing rate 201 +/- 37 beats/min) resulted in an St-A interval of 103 +/- 37 msec (p less than .001 vs the value during entrainment) and an St-B interval of 31 +/- 15 msec (p = NS vs the value during entrainment). It is concluded that an area of slow conduction not demonstrable during sinus rhythm exists during ventricular tachycardia, and that the earliest activation site during ventricular tachycardia is at or orthodromically distal to this area of slow conduction.     

Left bundle branch block-type ventricular tachycardia originating from the left ventricular septum in a patient with cardiac sarcoidosis

This case report describes a left bundle branch block (LBBB)-type ventricular tachycardia (VT) with a unique reentrant circuit in a patient with cardiac sarcoidosis. The VT morphology and pace mapping supported an exit site of the VT from the basal posterior right ventricle (RV) septum. Nonetheless, concealed entrainment was established by pacing from a septal left ventricular (LV) site recording a diastolic potential, opposite site to the RV site. A point ablation at that LV site could successfully terminate the VT, suggesting that a critical isthmus was located on the LV side of the interventricular septum despite the demonstration of an LBBB-type VT.