Why the study?
Atrial fibrillation is a common cause of morbidity and mortality, and presentation secondary to megaesophagus is rare.
Does esophageal dilation and evacuation of food debris restore sinus rhythm in a patient with atrial fibrillation secondary to left atrial compression from megaesophagus?
Case Report (n=1)
No
Does esophageal dilation and evacuation of food debris restore sinus rhythm in a patient with atrial fibrillation secondary to left atrial compression from megaesophagus?
Megaesophagus (achalasia) can cause secondary atrial fibrillation via mechanical compression of the left atrium, which is reversible to sinus rhythm following esophageal dilation and evacuation of food debris.
Background: Atrial fibrillation is the most common clinically significant cardiac arrhythmia. It occurs when a diffuse and chaotic pattern of electrical activity in the atria suppresses or replaces the normal sinus mechanism. This disorder is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditure. Case Presentation: In this article, we will present a rare case of a 93-year-old men who was admitted with atrial fibrillation secondary to megaesophagus that was reversible to sinus rhythm after dilation and removal of food debris from the esophagus. Conclusion: The megaesophagus can lead to atrial fibrillation by compression of the left atrium, which is reversible after dilatation sessions and the evacuation of food debris in the esophagus.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Laroussi et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Atrial fibrillation secondary to megaesophagus (achalasia) (n=1). Esophageal dilation and evacuation of food debris was evaluated on Conversion from atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm and resolution of dysphagia/vomiting.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: