Acute radiodermatitis after radiofrequency catheter ablation☆,☆☆

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Abstract

Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is used in the treatment of a variety of arrhthymias. This report describes the development of acute radiodermatitis after two prolonged RF catheter ablation procedures for supraventricular tachycardia. It also reviews the characteristics and treatment of radiation-induced skin reactions. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;36:881-4.)

Section snippets

Case 1

A patient with a supraventricular tachycardia underwent RF catheter ablation. The procedure was technically difficult and lasted several hours. One hundred and ninety cumulative minutes of fluoroscopic imaging time using a continuous fluoroscopic system with automatic brightness control (manufactured by General Electric) was required. Throughout the study a cutaneous electrical dispersion pad was kept on the left lower back, and defibrillator pads were placed on the anterior and posterior

DISCUSSION

Cardiovascular complications associated with catheter ablation techniques are the most common. Cutaneous side effects have been reported infrequently. Hematomas from vascular injury 10 and a mild chest wall burn at the ground patch site 8 have been described.

Recently, radiation-induced skin injuries from prolonged fluoroscopic exposure during interventional cardiac procedures have been reported. 11, 12

Inflammation of the skin, adnexal structures, and subcutaneous tissues after radiation

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Reprint requests: George T. Nahass, MD, Department of Dermatology, St. Louis University Health Sciences Center, 1402 S. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63104.

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Copyright © 1997 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.