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Deglutition-induced atrial fibrillation
Amyn Malik1, Syed Sohail Ali, Amin Rahmatullah
1University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. malik016@umn.edu
Texas Heart Institute Journal
|January 25, 2006
Summary
A woman with palpitations on swallowing was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Treatment with disopyramide and verapamil resolved symptoms, allowing medication weaning within 9 months.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Palpitations on swallowing, though uncommon, can be a presenting symptom of cardiac arrhythmias.
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common supraventricular tachyarrhythmia that can cause significant symptoms and morbidity.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old woman presented with palpitations specifically triggered by swallowing.
- Initial investigations revealed the underlying cause to be atrial fibrillation.
Findings:
- Pharmacological management with disopyramide and verapamil led to significant symptom improvement.
- The patient was successfully weaned off both medications over a 9-month period.
- No recurrence of atrial fibrillation or associated symptoms was noted post-weaning.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for swallowing-induced palpitations as a manifestation of atrial fibrillation.
- It demonstrates the efficacy of disopyramide and verapamil in managing this specific presentation of AF.
- The successful discontinuation of medication suggests a potential for transient or self-limiting episodes of AF in select individuals.