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Published on: July 11, 2013
Aorto-atrial fistula following internal jugular vein catheterization
H D Danenberg1, Y Hasin, E Milgalter
1Division of Medicine, Hadassah University Hospital, Ein-Karem, Jerusalem, Israel.
Insights
A liver tumor stent procedure led to atrial fibrillation and heart failure. A rare aortic root to right atrium fistula was discovered post-procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Radiology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Giant liver hemangiomas can cause venous obstruction.
- Percutaneous transjugular stent placement is a treatment for hepatic vein compression.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old woman developed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and right-sided heart failure after a liver vein stent procedure.
- Cardiac imaging revealed a fistula between the aortic root and the right atrium.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms were attributed to an iatrogenic fistula between the aorta and the right atrium.
- Surgical confirmation of the fistula was achieved.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare complication of transjugular procedures.
- Awareness of this potential fistula is crucial for managing similar cases.
- Further research into preventative measures for such fistulas may be warranted.
Abstract:
A 48-year-old woman with giant haemangioma of the liver underwent percutaneous transjugular placement of a stent in the left hepatic vein for relief of an obstruction due to the compression of the benign liver tumour. Following the procedure, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation occurred and right-sided heart failure gradually appeared. Echocardiography and cardiac catheterization demonstrated a fistula between the aortic root and the right atrium, that was confirmed on surgery.
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