Exploring the causes of stiff left atrial syndrome: a case series.

Abstract

Background: Stiff left atrial syndrome (SLAS) is a complication that occurs due to left atrial scarring following procedures such as radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Case summary: We present a series of four patients with pre-existing conditions that ultimately were diagnosed as SLAS. In each case, clinical manifestations of SLAS may overlapped with other conditions and required a high index of clinical suspicion and diligent hemodynamic assessment to differentiate it from other concomitant cardiac conditions.

Discussion: We aim to highlight key differentiating diagnostic features from overlapping cardiac conditions and to summarize current treatment options for patients with SLAS.