Pneumopericardium following radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation: insights into the natural history of atrial esophageal fistula formation

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2010 Sep;21(9):1046-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8167.2010.01740.x.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnosis
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation / adverse effects*
  • Debridement
  • Electrocardiography, Ambulatory
  • Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac
  • Esophageal Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Esophageal Fistula / etiology*
  • Esophageal Fistula / surgery
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pneumopericardium / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumopericardium / etiology*
  • Pneumopericardium / surgery
  • Thoracotomy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome