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[Recurrent syncope during deglutition. An uncommon form of sinusal dysfunction]
M Bellorini1, T Lefèvre, J Loiret
1Service de cardiologie, centre hospitalier René-Dubos, Pontoise.
Archives Des Maladies Du Coeur Et Des Vaisseaux
|July 1, 1992
Summary
A 69-year-old man experienced syncope (fainting) triggered by swallowing liquids, linked to prolonged sinus arrest. This case highlights the connection between swallowing and cardiac conduction defects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Syncope, or fainting, can have various underlying causes.
- Swallowing (deglutition) can, in rare cases, trigger cardiovascular events.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old male patient presented with a 16-year history of syncope exclusively associated with liquid ingestion.
- During hospitalization for unstable angina, two syncopal episodes were documented.
- These episodes were correlated with observed prolonged sinus arrest, lasting 7 seconds.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates a direct link between the physiological act of swallowing and severe cardiac arrhythmia (sinus arrest).
- Literature review supports the physiopathological role of deglutition in causing cardiac conduction defects and arrhythmias.
- The findings are discussed in the context of Bashour's 1985 classification of sinus node dysfunction.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering deglutition as a potential trigger for syncope in clinical evaluations.
- Further research into the neural-cardiac reflexes associated with swallowing may elucidate mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction.
- Accurate classification and understanding of sinus node dysfunction are crucial for patient management.