Division
North Florida
Hospital
Osceola Regional Medical Center
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
10-28-2019
Keywords
hiatal hernia, atrial fibrillation, angiography, GERD, atrial compression
Disciplines
Digestive System Diseases | Gastroenterology | Internal Medicine | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms
Abstract
Introduction: Hiatal hernia (HH) is anatomically classified into four types according to herniated structures. Giant HH refers to a herniation of > 50% of the stomach. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia, frequently seen in association with cardiovascular diseases. We report a case of AF caused by a giant HH compressing the left atrium.
Case Description/Methods: A 90+ year-old female with a past medical history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), was admitted for surgical evaluation of symptomatic HH. During hospital stay the patient developed AF with rapid ventricular response, became hypotensive and lightheaded. EKG (Figure 1) confirmed new onset AF with non-specific ST-T wave changes. Sinus rhythm conversion was achieved by amiodarone drip. Metabolic and endocrine causes of the AF were ruled out. Ischemic etiology of the AF was ruled out by a normal myocardial perfusion imaging study.
Computed tomography Angiography of the chest (Figure 2) was only remarkable for persistent giant hiatal hernia. Echocardiogram (Figure 3) showed external material compressing against the heart and the left atrium. At that point, the patient and the surgical team have decided on conservative management for her HH due to her high surgical risk. Patient was discharged home in sinus rhythm on oral anticoagulant and beta blocking agent.
Discussion: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), HH and AF are often seen in association. AF in GERD patients is likely due to local cytokine release from esophageal injury or vagal overstimulation. Such association is supported by reduced AF recurrences by reflux suppression with PPI use or fundoplication. However, the underlying mechanism of AF in HH patients has not been fully understood.
In our case, left atrial compression and impingement were seen, which indicates direct left atrial irritation causing atrial arrhythmia. Surgical reconstitution of HH to relieve the cardiac compression would be the definitive treatment. Unfortunately, our patient was not a candidate for such invasive thoracic surgery due to her age. A similar case scenario was previously reported, in which AF was suppressed after laparoscopic surgical repair of a giant paraesophageal hernia. More cases need to be studied to confirm the hypothesized etiology of AF in patients with giant HH.
Publisher or Conference
ACG 2019
Recommended Citation
Sourial K, et al. P1775 - A Hiatal Hernia Causing Atrial Fibrillation Through Direct Mechanical Irritation. Poster presented at: American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting; October 25-30, 2019; San Antonio, TX.
Included in
Digestive System Diseases Commons, Gastroenterology Commons, Internal Medicine Commons, Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Commons