Atrial-esophageal fistula after atrial radiofrequency catheter ablation

Abstract

Atrial-esophageal fistula is a rare but often fatal complication of catheter radiofrequency ablation. Patients occasionally have bacteremia and have been misdiagnosed with endocarditis. Infectious diseases specialists are often consulted and need to be aware of this complication. We report a case of atrial-esophageal fistula after radiofrequency ablation that illustrates the salient features of this illness. © 2010 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.