Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Indications and Techniques

Post-ablation Dyspnea a Case Report to Highlight the Differential Diagnoses

The diagnosis of post-cardiac ablation pericarditis is difficult as it requires the exclusion of the more common causes of chest pain, but in the right setting, non-invasive diagnostic tools are adequate. Here we present the case of a 60-year-old man who underwent atrial fibrillation ablation and subsequently developed severe mid-sternal chest pain and dyspnea one day later without significant electrocardiographic findings, a mildly elevated troponin T, and elevation of the right hemidiaphragm. The patient was managed conservatively. A two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram showed no regional wall motion abnormalities, significant transvalvular gradients, but showed minimal pericardial effusion. A sniff test was negative for diaphragmatic paralysis. After the diagnosis, the patient’s symptoms resolved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine. This case of pericarditis after cardiac ablation highlights the possible differential diagnosis when confronted with post-ablation cardiac symptoms. Despite the classic presentation, the electrocardiogram showed no significant ST/PR changes. In the right clinical setting, non-invasive imaging may be appropriate management.