Background An atrio-oesophageal fistula (AOF) is a rare but severe complication of radiofrequency ablation during videoassisted thoracoscopic pulmonary vein isolation (VATSPVI). Case description A 68-year-old man presented to the emergency department with reduced general wellbeing and a fever. Eight weeks prior he had undergone a VATS-PVI. Blood results revealed elevated inflammatory parameters, and blood cultures were positive for Streptococcus anginosus. A CT-scan demonstrated an air configuration in the left atrium. Shortly after this he developed a leftsided hemiparesis. As a cerebral air embolus due to an AOF was suspected, we decided to operate. The defects in the atrium and the oesophagus were closed primarily during open-heart surgery. Conclusion An AOF is a rare complication following a VATS-PVI. Patients often present with nonspecific symptoms like a fever. It is important to be alert of this complication after a VATS-PVI and to perform early diagnostic imaging.

hdl.handle.net/1765/93702
Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Giesen, L.J.X. (Louis J.X.), Kroon, H. M., van Valen, R., De Groot, N.M.S. (Natasja M.S.), Kik, C., & Wijnhoven, B. (2016). Atrio-oesophageal fistula after thoracoscopic treatment of atrial fibrillation. Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde, 160(32). Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/93702