Atrioesophageal fistula after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: clinical case

BACKGROUND: Atrioesophageal fistula is a rare complication following radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and is associated with high mortality. Clinical manifestations of atrioesophageal fistula are nonspecific and may include fever, neurological symptoms, and sepsis, which complicates timely diagnosis. A literature search was conducted in international databases PubMed, Google Scholar and eLibrary for the last five years (2019–2024) using the keywords “atrioesophageal fistula” and “complications of radiofrequency catheter ablation.” Thirty articles were selected for review. CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: The aim of this publication is to present a rare case of atrioesophageal fistula development after radiofrequency catheter ablation in a 53-year-old female patient. The features of the clinical course, diagnostic challenges, as well as possible approaches to early recognition, prevention, and treatment of this complication were analyzed. CONCLUSION: Even when diagnosed early, atrioesophageal fistula carries an exceedingly poor prognosis. This underscores the critical need for sustained clinical vigilance, improved prevention strategies, and the establishment of standardized management guidelines for suspected cases of this lethal complication.