This case report discusses the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) following esophageal stent placement in a patient with esophageal cancer.
The patient, a 75-year-old male with esophageal cancer and significant dysphagia, underwent stent placement to alleviate obstruction. AF developed shortly after the procedure and was attributed to the stent’s external compression of the left atrium. AF manifested as refractory to beta-blocker therapy but ultimately controlled with amiodarone. Imaging with CT scan and ECHO confirmed left atrial compression by the stent, correlating with the onset of AF.
Following stent removal due to tumor shrinkage after radiation therapy, AF resolved, supporting the association between stent-induced left atrial compression and AF onset.
This case highlights the need for vigilance in monitoring cardiac rhythm post-stent placement, particularly in esophageal cancer patients predisposed to atrial dysrhythmias.
Mirminachi, Seyedbabak MD1; Yaghnam, Ibrahim MD2; Muallem, Samer MD3; Razjouyan, Hadie MD, MPH (Epi)2. Atrial Fibrillation Following Esophageal Stent Placement: A Rare but Important Complication to Recognize. ACG Case Reports Journal 11(7):p e01398, July 2024. | DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000001398