Suspected Cardioembolic Stroke Linked to Left Atrial Stunning After Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Pathology

Background:

• Cardiac ablation procedures, such as pulmonary vein isolation, are used to treat atrial arrhythmias.
• Ischemic stroke is a potential complication following cardiac procedures.
• Left atrial stunning is a transient dysfunction of the left atrium.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cause of ischemic stroke in a patient post-cardiac ablation.
• To analyze the pathological characteristics of the thrombus retrieved from the carotid artery.

Main Methods:

• A patient underwent pulsed field ablation for pulmonary vein and posterior wall isolation.
• The patient subsequently developed an ischemic stroke due to left carotid artery occlusion.
• Pathological examination of the retrieved thrombus was performed.

Main Results:

• The retrieved thrombus was characterized as an acute red thrombus.
• The findings suggest a link between left atrial stunning and thrombus formation.

Conclusions:

• Left atrial stunning following cardiac ablation may lead to thrombus formation and subsequent ischemic stroke.
• Prompt pathological analysis is crucial for understanding stroke etiology after ablation.