Fix the Heart, Damage the Gut: A Case Report and Literature Review of Ablation-Induced Gastroparesis

Division

North Florida

Hospital

Ocala Regional Medical Center

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

4-8-2022

Keywords

cardiology, vagus nerve, cardiac ablation, atrial fibrillation, gastroparesis

Disciplines

Cardiology | Digestive System Diseases | Gastroenterology | Internal Medicine

Abstract

Catheter ablation is a common procedure performed in patients with atrial fibrillation. While some commonly known complications include perforation, thromboembolism, pericardial effusion, and cardiac tamponade, gastroparesis is a less reported post-procedural complication. We present a case of a 66-year-old female admitted with intractable nausea and vomiting six weeks post-ablation. After ruling out the common causes of gastroparesis, a gastric emptying study was done, which confirmed the diagnosis of gastroparesis. Physicians should have a high degree of suspicion for vagus nerve damage in post-ablation patients that presents with unexplained persistent gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms to facilitate a better outcome.

Publisher or Conference

Cureus

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