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Neurocardiogenic syncope during a routine colonoscopy: an uncommon malignant presentation
Gautam Sharma1, Nagendra Boopathy Senguttuvan, Rajnish Juneja
1Department of Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India. drsharmagautam@gmail.com
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|April 17, 2012
Summary
Neurocardiogenic syncope, a common condition, can rarely present as a life-threatening malignant arrhythmia. This case highlights a severe form of syncope causing asystole during a routine medical procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) is a prevalent clinical condition often managed by primary care physicians.
- While typically benign, NCS can manifest in a malignant form characterized by prolonged cardioinhibition and asystole.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old woman experienced a life-threatening malignant arrhythmia during a routine colonoscopy.
- This event involved prolonged cardioinhibition culminating in asystole.
Findings:
- The patient presented with a rare, malignant presentation of neurocardiogenic syncope.
- The syncope episode occurred during an invasive medical procedure, suggesting potential triggers.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing severe NCS presentations, even in low-risk settings.
- Awareness of malignant syncope is crucial for timely diagnosis and management to prevent adverse outcomes.
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