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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
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Reversible atrial fibrillation secondary to a mega-oesophagus

Tahwinder Upile1, Waseem Jerjes, Mohammed El Maaytah

  • 1Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery/Head & Neck Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, UK. mrtupile@yahoo.com

BMC Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
|December 15, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A rare case of atrial fibrillation (AF) secondary to mega-oesophagus in an elderly woman was resolved by removing food debris. This case highlights a potential link between esophageal issues and cardiac arrhythmias.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting approximately 5% of individuals over 65.
  • The prevalence of AF increases with age.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of atrial fibrillation secondary to mega-oesophagus.
  • To discuss the potential etiology linking esophageal dysfunction and AF.

Main Methods:

  • Diagnosis involved barium swallow and electrocardiogram (ECG).
  • Treatment consisted of evacuation of accumulated food debris from the oesophagus.

Main Results:

  • A significant volume of food debris (300 ml) was removed.
  • Complete resolution of atrial fibrillation was observed post-evacuation.

Conclusions:

  • Mega-oesophagus, caused by food debris accumulation, can be a rare cause of secondary atrial fibrillation.
  • Esophageal conditions may contribute to cardiac arrhythmias, warranting further investigation.

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