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Near death and neurocardiogenic syncope
Teresa Donnelly1, Sheila Carew, Tina Sheehy
1Clinical Age Assessment Unit, Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, Ireland. teresadonnelly@iolfree.ie
Summary
An 18-year-old female survived ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest and received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Subsequent syncopal episodes led to a diagnosis of co-existing neurocardiogenic syncope.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a life-threatening arrhythmia requiring immediate intervention.
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are crucial for managing patients at risk of sudden cardiac death.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old female experienced an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation.
- She underwent successful ICD implantation and showed no neurological deficits post-resuscitation.
Findings:
- The patient experienced recurrent syncopal episodes after initial recovery.
- Diagnostic evaluation revealed the co-existence of neurocardiogenic syncope alongside the initial cardiac event.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering co-existing conditions in young patients presenting with cardiac arrest.
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup is essential for managing complex cases involving both cardiac and neurological syncope triggers.
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