Intramural left atrial haematoma mimicking cardiac tamponade after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Catheter ablation is an established treatment modality for patients with drug refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). This procedure carries a 6% major complication rate including cardiac tamponade due to cardiac perforation. We report on a patient with clinical signs of cardiac tamponade due to a diffuse intramural left atrial haematoma obstructing left ventricular filling after catheter ablation of AF.