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Atrioesophageal Fistula as a Complication of Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2021

Mustafa Emin Canakci*
Affiliation:
Emergency Department, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
Cengiz Ovali
Affiliation:
Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
İrem Aydogdu
Affiliation:
Emergency Department, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
Betul Tiryaki Bastug
Affiliation:
Radiology Department, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
Obaidullah Ahmadzai
Affiliation:
Emergency Department, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
Ramazan Faruk Bozdogan
Affiliation:
Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
*
Correspondence: Mustafa Emin Canakci, MD, Emergency Department, Eskisehir Osmangazi University School of Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey, Prof. Dr. Nabi Avcı Boulevard, No:4, Meselik, Odunpazarı, 26040, E-mail: mustafaeminc@gmail.com

Abstract

Atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is an important complication of radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Delayed diagnosis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Despite the name “atrioesophageal fistula,” fistulas functionally act esophageal to atrial, which accounts for the neurologic and infectious complications. This report presents the management of a 60-year-old male patient who was admitted to the emergency department (ED) with AEF-caused gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient was operated urgently, but he had serious comorbidities and died after the operation. The aim of this case was to evaluate patients who underwent RFA, within 10 days to two months, carefully in the ED and to know the possible complications.

Type
Case Report
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine

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