Background: Radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (RAF) is an increasingly performed procedure. It is performed during cardiac surgery or percutaneously by catheter. A dangerous complication of RAF is atrioesophageal fistula (AEF), which predominantly manifests neurologically owing to food embolism. Because neurologists may not be familiar with AEF and the prognosis is dependent on a prompt diagnosis, awareness of AEF by the neurologist may play a crucial role. Objective: To summarize for the neurologist the knowledge about fistula between the left atrium and esophagus occurring after RAF. Design, Setting, and Patients: Using a MEDLINE search, we collected reports about AEF after RAF in 28 patients. Main Outcome Measures: From the collected reports, the description of symptoms, diagnostic investigations, therapy, and outcome of the 28 patients were summarized. Results: In 28 cases, AEF developed 3 to 38 days after RAF. Confusion, grand mal seizures, meningitis, focal cortical signs, and postprandial transient ischemic attacks associated with fever were the leading manifestations in 21 of 28 patients. Blood tests showed leukocytosis, elevated serum C-reactive protein levels, and thrombocytopenia. Blood cultures were frequently positive for bacteria. Lumbar puncture revealed pleocytosis, elevated protein levels, increased lactate levels, and bacteria. Diagnosis was established by thoracic contrast computed tomography. Endoscopy, insertion of nasogastric tubes, and transesophageal echocardiography were detrimental, leading to an increase in fistula size and food or air embolism. Therapy comprised surgery (n=11) or temporary esophageal stenting (n = 1). The remaining patients died before attempted surgery or confirmation of the diagnosis. A neurological deficit persisted in 3 of the 9 surviving patients.

Our results suggest that the SNP rs6214 of IGF1 could have an impact on developing colorectal cancer and colorectal polyps with villous elements.

Left atrial ablation (LAAB) is carried out as an alternative treatment of atrial fibrillation refractory to conservative measures. An increasingly recognized complication of LAAB is an atrio-esophageal fistula (AEF). Neurological manifestations usually dominate the presentation of an AEF and result from cardiac embolism of thrombi, transgressed esophageal contents, or air. AEFs have been reported after LAAB in 52 patients (23 men, age 35-76 years), described in 24 publications, so far. AEFs manifest clinically on the average 17 days (3-38 days) after ablation. Neurological manifestations include embolic strokes (n = 30), seizures (n = 9), transitory-ischaemic attacks (n = 6), coma (n = 6), or psychiatric abnormalities (n = 5). Imaging studies of the cerebrum most frequently show multiple embolic strokes or air embolism. The diagnosis is made upon thoracic computed tomography with contrast media. An act of swallowing, trans-esophageal echocardiography, gastroscopy, or esophageal stenting must be avoided not to enlarge the shunt. The only expedient therapy is surgical closure of the fistula, but even then, the prognosis is poor with a mortality of 71%. AEFs should be suspected if there is a history of LAAB followed by fever, thoracic pain, postprandial cerebral strokes, seizures, coma, or confusion with a latency of days to 5 weeks after ablation. Diagnostic work-up must avoid measures, which enlarge the fistula. Treatment is surgical exclusively.

Leakage and fistulization of the gastro-jejunostomy have been the major drawback of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) surgery. Most authors agree that operative treatment is the mainstay of therapy in patients with signs of sepsis. However, intestinal contents causing localized infection may impede healing of sutured leaks in some patients, and fistulas develop. Because the anastomosis cannot be disconnected or exteriorized for anatomical reasons, other forms of treatment have to be applied. The following case-reports describe a technique with implantation of coated self-expanding stents. Leakage of the gastro-jejunostomy occurred in one patient 3 days after RYGBP and resulted in formation of a fistula. A fistula developed in a second patient 63 days after RYGBP. Coated self-extending stents were implanted endoscopically in both patients on postoperative days 19 and 67. Enteral nutrition could be started 6 days later. Stents were removed 2 months after implantation without problems. Weight loss and quality of life 7 and 21 months after stent removal have been excellent in both patients. Implantation of coated self-expanding stents was an effective and minimally invasive option for gastro-jejunal anastomotic fistulas after RYGBP where surgical repair was not possible. In these cases, application of stents allows septic source control without any other intervention.

An AEF should always be considered in patients with fever, difficulties in swallowing, thoracic pain, postprandial transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or stroke, epileptic seizures, or meningitis. In the case of AEFs an ablation of atrial fibrillation in the patient history should be considered and corresponding diagnostics and treatment should be initiated immediately.

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