Recurrent dyspnea following multiple ablations for atrial fibrillation explained by the "stiff left atrial syndrome"

Abstract

We present the case of a patient who underwent repeated ablations for atrial fibrillation and presented with recurrent dyspnea, elevated left atrial pressure with large V waves in the absence of mitral regurgitation. This case provides an example of "stiff left atrial syndrome" as has been described in patients with mitral valve replacement and only recently in patients with radiofrequency ablations for atrial fibrillation.

Keywords: diagnostic catheterization; hemodynamics; pulmonary angiography; restenosis; transeptal cath.