Why the study?
How should a small pericardial effusion present immediately after atrial fibrillation ablation be followed up, especially with the use of novel oral anticoagulants?
How should a small pericardial effusion present immediately after atrial fibrillation ablation be followed up, especially with the use of novel oral anticoagulants?
This case report highlights the clinical uncertainty regarding the follow-up of small pericardial effusions detected immediately after atrial fibrillation ablation, particularly in patients on novel oral anticoagulants.
Clinical uncertainty persists for small postablation effusions on NOACs; case leaves optimal surveillance protocols open.
Complications of atrial fibrillation ablation include pericardial effusion, which tends to occur acutely. Large and hemodynamically important effusions are uncommon, but a small effusion may be present at the end of the procedure in up to 22% of ablations. We monitor for pericardial effusions routinely after ablation with intracardiac echocardiography. However, the follow-up of a small effusion present immediately after ablation remains uncertain, especially with the use of dabigatran or another novel oral anticoagulant. There are no current recommendations on the follow-up of small pericardial effusions after ablation. We present a case and ask a panel of experts for their opinions.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ziffra et al. (2018) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: