Atrial-esophageal fistula after atrial fibrillation ablation: a case report and literature review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Atrial-esophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare, but high mortality, complication after catheter ablation. At present, there is no standard treatment for AEF. In this article, we introduce the treatment process of a case diagnosed with AEF and review the latest treatment progress of AEF.

Case description

A 65-year-old man, who received catheter ablation 2 weeks prior, presented with fever, chills, and loss of consciousness. Blood cultures grew Streptococcus viridans. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain showed a large area of left craniocerebral infarction and air emboli in the right lobe. The chest CT demonstrated air between the left atrium and esophagus, as well as pericardial effusions. Gastroscopy showed an esophageal fistula 35 cm away from the inci

SUBMITTER: Wang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9929749 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature