Cerebral hemodynamics during carotid massage in patients with carotid sinus syndrome

The effect of cardioinhibition and/or vasodepression on cerebral hemodynamics assessed by transcranial Doppler has been investigated during carotid massage in 11 patients (62-87 years, mean age 72) with carotid sinus syndrome. The patients were tested in the OOO mode (n = 11) with six tested in the DDD mode. Carotid massage in the OOO mode decreased mean arterial pressure by 44% (P < 0.01) and mean cerebral blood flow velocity by 50% (P < 0.01). Although not significant, cerebrovascular resistance increased transiently by 17% during massage, then decreased by 31% upon recovery. Carotid massage in the DDD mode decreased arterial pressure by 30% (P < 0.01), cerebral blood velocity by 23% (P < 0.01), and resistance by 15% (P < 0.05). The decreased cerebral perfusion induced by cardioinhibition and/or vasodepression results from the delayed onset of cerebral autoregulation. Pacing in the DDD mode temporarily assists the critical period preceding the onset of cerebral autoregulation that plays a key role in preventing the deleterious effects of vasodepression.