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Uncommon etiologies of atrial fibrillation
P Raggi1, B C Vasavada, T Parente
1Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
Insights
Newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation requires investigating rare causes. Three patients with unusual cardiovascular conditions causing atrial fibrillation were diagnosed using trans-esophageal echocardiography, highlighting the importance of thorough investigation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia requiring etiological investigation.
- Common causes include hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.
- Rare but correctable causes of atrial fibrillation should also be considered.
Observation:
- Three adult patients presented with new-onset atrial fibrillation.
- These patients had unusual underlying cardiovascular pathologies.
- Trans-esophageal echocardiography was crucial for diagnosis.
Findings:
- The study identified rare cardiovascular conditions as the cause of atrial fibrillation in three patients.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through surgical intervention.
- Trans-esophageal echocardiography proved instrumental in identifying these rare etiologies.
Implications:
- Thorough investigation for rare causes of atrial fibrillation is essential.
- Trans-esophageal echocardiography is a valuable diagnostic tool for complex cases.
- Identifying and treating rare etiologies can improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
A newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation warrants a full investigation of the etiopathogenesis of this common arrhythmia. In the adult population, the most frequently associated conditions are systemic hypertension, coronary artery disease, mitral valvulopathy, congestive heart failure, and hyperthyroidism. Nevertheless, more infrequent and even rare, yet correctable, etiologies should not be overlooked. We describe three patients who presented to our hospital with a first episode of atrial fibrillation and who subsequently were demonstrated to have very unusual cardiovascular pathologies subtending this common arrhythmia. In all three cases, trans-esophageal echocardiography was instrumental in reaching an accurate diagnosis that was later confirmed at surgery.