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Summary
A rare swallowing-induced paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) was identified. Mechanical stimulation of the esophagus triggered the arrhythmia, which was successfully treated with verapamil.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) can manifest in rare forms.
- Swallowing is an unusual trigger for cardiac arrhythmias.
Observation:
- A patient presented with SVT specifically linked to swallowing solid food.
- Esophagoscopy revealed mechanical stimulation of the anterior esophageal wall (30 cm from incisors) repeatedly triggered the arrhythmia.
- This represents the first esophagoscopic investigation of this specific SVT type.
Findings:
- Mechanical stimulation of a precise esophageal location can induce SVT.
- Verapamil effectively terminated the swallowing-associated tachycardia.
- Esophagoscopy proved valuable in pinpointing the trigger mechanism.
Implications:
- This finding expands the understanding of SVT triggers.
- It highlights the potential role of esophageal stimulation in cardiac events.
- Verapamil is a potential treatment for this rare SVT subtype.