Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of post-interventional hematoma: the bleeding mushroom is growing inside

Abstract

Catheter ablation is an effective treatment in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Complications are infrequent and usually resolve with minimal or no intervention, but active bleeding due to arterial injury during the vascular access can sometimes represent a life-threatening complication. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is the standard technique to detect active bleeding, but it may not be immediately available. We report a case of iatrogenic hemorrhage after catheter ablation, in which contrast-enhanced ultrasonography played a decisive role in the recognition of active arterial bleeding due to injury to the right common femoral artery.