Esophago-Pericardial Fistula as a Rare and Life-Threatening Complication of Epicardial Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation

Justin A Edward; Shu C Chang; Edward A Gill; Wendy S Tzou; Ryan G Aleong

doi:10.1016/j.jaccas.2022.04.027

Esophago-Pericardial Fistula as a Rare and Life-Threatening Complication of Epicardial Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation

JACC Case Rep. 2022 Sep 21;4(18):1180-1185. doi: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2022.04.027.

Authors

Justin A Edward¹, Shu C Chang², Edward A Gill¹, Wendy S Tzou², Ryan G Aleong²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
² Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.

Abstract

We describe a rare complication of esophago-pericardial fistula after epicardial ventricular tachycardia ablation. Echocardiogram revealed evidence of pneumopericardium and additional imaging studies confirmed esophageal leak with evidence of fistula formation requiring prompt surgical repair. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Keywords: AF, atrial fibrillation; CT, computed tomography; VT, ventricular tachycardia; ablation; complication; electrophysiology; ventricular tachycardia.

Publication types

Case Reports