Pericardial–Esophageal Fistula: A Rare but Increasing Complication of Cardiac Ablation

Abstract

Pericardial–esophageal fistula and/or atrial–esophageal fistula after cardiac ablation is nearly universally fatal if not detected and treated expeditiously. This condition should be assumed and ruled out in anyone with a recent history of cardiac ablation presenting with signs of sepsis, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, or chest pain. Computed tomography scan of the chest is a rapid and a sensitive diagnostic modality. Tenets of treatment and repair consist of preventing an air embolism, repairing the esophageal perforation and atrial defect, and interposing autologous tissue between the esophagus and heart.

Keywords

• surgical ablation
• esophageal
• pericardium
• cardiopulmonary bypass
• cpb