Atrial fibrillation gut syndrome: severe gastroparesis with pyloric spasm following radiofrequency catheter ablation of drug resistant symptomatic atrial fibrillation: a case report

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, and cardiac ablation is one of the treatment modalities for persistent symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Gastroparesis is a rare complication of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, which may be associated with high morbidity. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 44-year-old Caucasian male with persistent atrial fibrillation who presented with nausea, vomiting, bloating, and constipation after radiofrequency catheter ablation. He was found to have gastroparesis due to pyloric spasm that was treated with botulinum toxin injection. CONCLUSION: This case signifies the importance of identifying gastric complications after radiofrequency catheter ablation atrial fibrillation, and the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of gastroparesis with botulinum toxin injection.