Predictors and Long-Term Outcome of Ablation of Discrete Pre-potentials in Patients With Idiopathic Ventricular Arrhythmias Originating From the Aortic Sinuses of Valsalva

Background: The predictability and long-term outcome of the discrete pre-potential (DPP) of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) arising from the aortic sinuses of Valsalva (ASV) have not been fully identified.Methods: Of 687 consecutive patients undergoing ablation of outflow tract VAs, there were 105 (15.3%) patients with VAs originating from the ASV region who were included. Detailed mapping was performed within the ASV in all patients. Electrocardiographic, electrophysiological parameters, and long-term success rate were compared between patients with and without the DPPs.Results: A DPP was recorded in 67 of 105 (63.8%) patients, including 38 left sinus of Valsalva (LSV)-VAs (38/105, 36.2%) and 29 right sinus of Valsalva (RSV)-VAs (29/105, 27.6%). The patients with DPPs had wider QRS duration (152 +/- 17 vs. 145 +/- 14 ms, p < 0.001). The average of earliest activation time was significantly earlier in patients with DPPs (-38.6 +/- 8.5 vs. -27.7 +/- 5.7 ms, p < 0.001). Mean time from the first lesion to elimination of VAs was shorter in patients with DPPs (2.3 +/- 2.1 s vs. 4.9 +/- 1.0 s, p < 0.001). A stepwise logistic multivariable analysis identified only younger age as a significant predictor of DPP (age <= 35.5 years predicted DPP with 92.9% positive predictive value). During a follow-up duration of 42.5 +/- 22.3 months, 63 (94.0%) patients with DPPs and 30 (78.9%) patients without DPPs remained free of recurrent VAs (p = 0.027).Conclusion: Discrete pre-potentials were observed in 63.8% of patients with VAs arising from the ASV. Ablation in patients with DPPs was associated with higher long-term success. DPPs were seen more commonly in younger (age <= 35.5 years) patients.

Automated summary

The study found that 63.8% of patients with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias originating from the aortic sinuses of Valsalva had discrete pre-potentials. Patients with DPPs had higher long-term success rates in ablation therapy, and younger patients were more likely to have DPPs.