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Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
[LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE CLOSURE IN A PATIENT WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS]
Insights
Systemic sclerosis patients with atrial fibrillation may experience gastrointestinal bleeding during anticoagulation. Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure offers an alternative to manage this bleeding risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) can affect multiple organ systems, including the heart and gastrointestinal tract.
- Chronic atrial fibrillation necessitates anticoagulant therapy, which can increase bleeding risks, particularly in patients with systemic sclerosis.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old female with systemic sclerosis and chronic atrial fibrillation presented with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding while on anticoagulation.
- Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure was performed to address the bleeding complications.
Findings:
- The case highlights the complex management of anticoagulation in patients with systemic sclerosis.
- Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure is presented as a viable alternative for managing bleeding risks in specific clinical scenarios.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need for individualized treatment strategies in patients with systemic sclerosis and atrial fibrillation.
- Understanding the impact of scleroderma on cardiac and digestive systems is crucial for optimizing patient care and exploring alternative therapies like left atrial appendage closure.
Abstract:
We report the clinical history of a 69 year-old female who suffered from systemic sclerosis and in whom we performed a percutaneous left atrial appendage closure due to recurrent gastrointestinal bleedings under anticoagulant therapy for chronic atrial fibrillation. We review the impact of scleroderma on the cardiac and digestive systems and discuss the issue of anticoagulation and its alternatives in uncommon clinical situations. We also describe the indications, technical aspects and potential complications of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure.
