Atrial-oesophageal fistula after radiofrequency ablation.
Destruction of atrial tissue by radiofrequency ablation for preventing relapses of atrial fibrillation carries a risk of rare but frequently fatal fistula formation between the atrium and the oesophagus. Early symptoms include ischaemic disorders and gastrointestinal bleeding occurring within two weeks following the procedure.
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000401:mortality; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology*; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016157:Vascular Fistula / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality