BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) may cause myocardial injury. AIM: To assess changes in myocardial enzymes levels following RFCA. METHODS: Creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, aspartate aminotransferase (GOT), alanine aminotransferase (GPT), troponin I and myoglobin levels were assessed in 53 patients (33 females, 20 males, mean age 53 years, range 23-78 years) before and 20 hours after successful RFCA (WPW type A = 13, WPW type B = 10, atrio-ventricular nodal tachycardia n = 17, atrial fibrillation or flutter n = 5, atrial tachycardia n = 2 and complex arrhythmias n = 6). RESULTS: The mean number of RF applications was 10.4, cumulative energy - 22 671 J, duration of application - 468 sec, and temperature - 58 degrees C. A significant post-RFCA increase in the troponin I and myoglobin levels was found whereas the changes in CK and GOT levels were less pronounced. A significant correlation between troponin I elevation and RFCA energy, particularly in males, was documented. There was a trend towards a decrease in the GPT and CK-MB levels. Troponin I and myoglobin levels increased regardless of the site of RF energy application. CONCLUSIONS: Troponin I and myoglobin are useful for the assessment of RFCA-induced myocardial injury, regardless of the site of RFCA application.
BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) may cause myocardial injury. AIM: To assess changes in myocardial enzymes levels following RFCA. METHODS: Creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, aspartate aminotransferase (GOT), alanine aminotransferase (GPT), troponin I and myoglobin levels were assessed in 53 patients (33 females, 20 males, mean age 53 years, range 23-78 years) before and 20 hours after successful RFCA (WPW type A = 13, WPW type B = 10, atrio-ventricular nodal tachycardia n = 17, atrial fibrillation or flutter n = 5, atrial tachycardia n = 2 and complex arrhythmias n = 6). RESULTS: The mean number of RF applications was 10.4, cumulative energy - 22 671 J, duration of application - 468 sec, and temperature - 58 degrees C. A significant post-RFCA increase in the troponin I and myoglobin levels was found whereas the changes in CK and GOT levels were less pronounced. A significant correlation between troponin I elevation and RFCA energy, particularly in males, was documented. There was a trend towards a decrease in the GPT and CK-MB levels. Troponin I and myoglobin levels increased regardless of the site of RF energy application. CONCLUSIONS: Troponin I and myoglobin are useful for the assessment of RFCA-induced myocardial injury, regardless of the site of RFCA application.