Pneumopericardium following radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation: insights into the natural history of atrial esophageal fistula formation.
We present a case of large pneumopericardium resulting from an esophageal pericardial fistula following ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The presentation, evaluation, and management of this specific patient, along with a review of present techniques to diagnose esophageal injury, provide a unique insight into the pathophysiology of left atrial-esophageal fistula formation.
Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Rozalina
R
Grubina
Yong-Mei
YM
Cha
Malcolm R
MR
Bell
Lawrence J
LJ
Sinak
Samuel J
SJ
Asirvatham
D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003646:Debridement; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D022062:Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011026:Pneumopericardium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013908:Thoracotomy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome