Esophageal Damage Following Left Atrial Ablation in a Patient on Dabigatran: Adding Insult to Injury

Dabigatran, a commonly prescribed anticoagulant medication, has been associated with esophagitis, referred to as dabigatran-induced esophagitis (DIE). We report a case of DIE occurring in a patient following left atrial ablation for atrial fibrillation. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing the possible combined detrimental effects of left atrial ablation and dabigatran on the esophageal mucosa and highlights the clinical and endoscopic characteristics associated with DIE.

Dabigatran-induced esophagitis (DIE) should be considered in patients on dabigatran developing esophageal symptoms after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation.DIE is a condition characterized clinically by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and histologically by significant inflammation of the esophageal mucosa.Physicians should be aware of the signs and symptoms of DIE and must educate patients on proper medication administration to avoid such risks.