title: Atrial fibrillation as an unexpected complication after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): a case report.
abstract: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an entirely endoscopic approach for the treatment of achalasia. This new procedure has been shown to be safe, effective, and associated with only minor complications in the postoperative period. This case report describes the development of atrial fibrillation after POEM secondary to direct compression from a hematoma in the submucosal tunnel. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a delayed hematoma after POEM. This procedure is still novel, and it is important to continue to share information about potential complications and long-term results. This report also includes several interesting radiographic images to illustrate what occurred. Finally, we provide a brief review of the literature on complications that have been described after POEM.
authors.affiliation: *Department of General Surgery, McGill University Health Centre †Department of Diagnostic Radiology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital ‡Department of Gastroenterology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Abdulaziz M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Saleem
authors.forename: Hooman
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hennessey
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: von Renteln
authors.forename: Melina C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Vassiliou
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology*; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000601:surgery*; D049630:Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / Q000601:surgery; D006406:Hematoma / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D057605:Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed