CT radiographic findings: atrio-esophageal fistula after transcatheter percutaneous ablation of atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Introduction: Radio-frequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is an ever increasing modality for treating refractory atrial fibrillation. Radiologists should not only be able to interpret and convey anatomic variations of pulmonary veins and left atrium to referring electrophysiologists, but also should be aware of all the post-RFCA complications and their radiographic findings including this rare, but often fatal complication. This report describes a fatal atrio-esophageal fistula (AEF) involving a normal variant single left common pulmonary vein after transcatheter ablation.

Results: A 59-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with altered mental status previously complaining of fatigue and malaise. The patient underwent a total of 2 uneventful circumferential percutaneous pulmonary vein ablations for atrial fibrillation. The most recent was performed 5 weeks before admission to ED. Within hours of initial evaluation, the patient quickly deteriorated owing to overwhelming sepsis requiring both inotropic and ventilatory support. Transthoracic echocardiography within ED showed no evidence of valvular vegetation or gas bubbles in the left atrium. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest with intravenous contrast revealed findings compatible with AEF. Head CT was negative for ischemic changes or emboli. Patient underwent emergent cardiac and esophageal surgery at which point the patient later died on the operating table.

Conclusions: Patients who present with signs and symptoms of endocarditis, and particularly with new neurologic symptom after RFCA should be promptly evaluated for AEF. In our case, radiographic findings in correlation with clinical history and high suspicion strongly suggested this rare, often fatal complication. During review of the chest CT, particular vigilance should be made to the left pulmonary vein/posterior left atrium junction at which site fistulous tracts tend to occur. Prompt diagnosis necessitates emergent cardiac and esophageal surgery to prevent rapid deterioration and death.