# Post-cardiac Injury Syndrome Following Catheter Ablation of Atrial Flutter: A Case Report

## TL;DR

An elderly woman developed post-cardiac injury syndrome after atrial flutter ablation and improved with steroid and colchicine treatment.

## Contribution

This case highlights the rare but important complication of post-cardiac injury syndrome following catheter ablation.

## Key findings

- The patient presented with pleural and pericardial effusion after atrial flutter ablation.
- Steroids and colchicine effectively treated the post-cardiac injury syndrome.
- Follow-up showed complete resolution of effusion and symptom improvement.

## Abstract

A woman in her 70s presented to accident and emergency (A&E) with shortness of breath and fever following atrial flutter ablation. Initial investigations revealed a new onset of pleural and pericardial effusion with raised inflammatory markers. After systematically ruling out chest infection and heart failure, a diagnosis of post-cardiac injury syndrome (PCIS) was made. After a short course of steroids and colchicine, she showed significant improvement in her symptoms, and subsequent follow-up showed resolution of her pleural and pericardial effusion.