Steroid Responsive Pericardial Effusion after Percutaneous Epicardial Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of embolic Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA) with the thrombus predominately originating in the Left Atrial Appendage (LAA). In patients unable to take oral anticoagulation, closure or exclusion of the LAA can be performed to mitigate the risk of stroke. We present a case of a patient who underwent LAA closure with an epicardial suture delivery device, and developed a late post procedure pericardial effusion despite perioperative anti-inflammatory therapy. This was successfully treated conservatively with oral steroids, negating the need for further invasive therapy with pericardiocentesis.