What severe condition can result from an atrioesophageal fistula after AF ablation?

An atrioesophageal fistula is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that can arise following atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures. This condition involves an abnormal connection between the atrium of the heart and the esophagus, which can occur due to thermal injury during the ablation process.

When an atrioesophageal fistula develops, it can lead to significant complications, including severe inflammation, infection, and potentially fatal conditions such as sepsis. The mortality rate associated with an untreated atrioesophageal fistula is indeed reported to be over 60%, reflecting the critical nature of this complication. The severity of this condition necessitates immediate medical intervention, often requiring surgical repair and intensive care management.

In contrast, while conditions like infarction, overhydration, or hypotension can occur in a range of medical scenarios, they are not specific or direct consequences of an atrioesophageal fistula and do not represent the level of mortality risk associated with this particular complication. Therefore, the indication of over 60% mortality specifically highlights the grave outcome that can follow this type of fistula, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and management during and after AF ablation procedures.