Atrial Fibrillation Complicated by Mesenteric and Renal Infarction: Case Report

Background: Very rarely, atrial fibrillation can be complicated by acute renal or intestinal infarction. The diagnosis of this condition can therefore be challenging, and treatment guidelines have not yet been established. In this article, we present a case report of a patient with acute mesenteric embolic ischemia and renal infarction as a complication of mitral stenosis-related atrial fibrillation.

Case Report: We report the case of a patient with mesenteric and renal infarction of thromboembolic origin due to rheumatic valvulopathy in atrial fibrillation who presented to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain. The angioscanner showed bilateral renal ischaemia, more extensive on the right, and occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery with signs of visceral distress. An effective dose of anticoagulation was started and an emergency laparotomy was performed, revealing a completely necrotic and distended bowel. The clinical outcome was unfavourable and the patient did not survive.

Conclusion: This case study highlights the importance of diagnosing renal and mesenteric infarction in the presence of acute abdominal pain in patients with embolic heart disease or other risk factors for thrombosis.