title: Atrio-oesophageal fistula: dismal outcome of a rare complication with no common solution.
abstract: Atrio-oesophageal fistula caused by diffusion of ablative energy through the left atrial wall to the oesophagus is a lethal complication. A high level of suspicion, rapid diagnosis and early correction are of crucial importance. In this review, we highlight the key points that will aid in the thought processes and provide guidance in the prevention, early diagnosis and management to reduce complications and improve outcome when atrio-oesophageal fistula is suspected.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA bassel@doctors.org.uk balalao@me.com.
authors.forename: Bassel
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Al-Alao
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Allen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pickens
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Lattouf
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019468:Disease Management; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005402:Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D014943:Global Health; D006325:Heart Atria; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D011183:Postoperative Complications
keywords: Atrio-oesophageal fistula; Left atrium; Radiofrequency ablation