Thromboembolic Events Following Atrial Fibrillation Cardioversion and Ablation: What's the Culprit?

Francesco De Sensi1, Gennaro Miracapillo2, Luigi Addonisio2

  • 1Cardiology Department, Misericordia Hospital, 58100 Grosseto, Italy. desensi_francesco@libero.it.

Stroke is a rare but possible complication after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, its etiopathogenesis is far from being completely characterized. Here we report a case of stroke, with recurrent peripheral embolism after AF ablation procedure. In our patient, an in situ femoral vein thrombosis and iatrogenic atrial septal defect were simultaneously detected. A comprehensive review of multiple pathophysiological mechanisms of stroke in this context is provided. The case underlines the importance of a global evaluation of patients undergoing AF ablation.

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