Deglutition Syncope Associated With Ventricular Asystole in a Patient With Permanent Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Deglutition syncope is a situational syncope that is diagnosed only by a detailed history. We report deglutition syncope in a 62-year-old man, who had permanent atrial fibrillation. The patient had no structural or functional abnormalities of the esophagus. During syncopal attacks, his electrocardiography showed ventricular asystole that was sustained for 12 seconds. The patient was successfully treated by implantation of a permanent pacemaker.

Swallow syncope: a case report and review of literature

“…2012/ [30]39/MSyncope, Chest tightnessNoLiquid (Cold)3rd degree AV blockAvoidance of triggerYesKnopke et al 2012/ [31]49/FSyncope, Dysphagia, RegurgitationHiatus hernia, Diffuse oesophageal spasmSolid food3rd degree AV blockPPMYesForeman et al 2011/ [32]52/FPresyncope, Chest painNoSolid food2nd degree AV blockPPMYesVanerio et at. 2011/ [33]84/FSyncopeHiatus HerniaSolid and Liquid (Carbonated)–Nissen’s FundoplicationYesMitra et al 2011/ [34]60/FPresyncope, SyncopeMetabolic DiseasesSolid foodSinus Bradycardia, 3rd degree AV blockPPMYesMarina et al 2010/ [35]37/MSyncopeMegaoesophagus, Extra Cardiac mass compressing left atriumSolid and Liquid–Deflation of gastric band–GY Lee et al 2010/ [36]62/MSyncope, DysphagiaAtrial Fibrillation, Metabolic diseasesLiquidAsystolePPMYesEndean et al 2010/ [37]61/ MSyncope, Chest pain, Vision lostPost Carotid entaterectomySolid food–GlycopyrrolateYesCasella et al 2009/ [38]66/ MSyncopeOesophageal dysmotility, Sick sinus syndromeLiquid onlyAV blockPPMYesKaramitsos et al 2009/ [39]82/FSyncopeHiatus herniaLarge mealNM––Favaretto et al 2008/ [40]63/MSyncope, OdynophagiaHiatus herniaSolid and LiquidAsystolePPMYesBajwa et al 2008/ [41]51/MPresyncope, SyncopeMetabolic diseases, Inflammatory bowel diseasesSolid foodAtrial & Ventricular atopic beatPPMYes…”

Swallow Syncope: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Therefore, placement of a pacemaker represents a reasonable treatment option that allows for over-riding of the bradycardia, although it does not treat the cause of the problem. The 11 cases listed in table 1 who had pacemaker implantation, all had resolution of symptoms over a follow-up period of 2 to 26 months, [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] indicating that pacemakers are an effective treatment. However, pacemaker implantation is not without risks that need to be balanced with the potential benefits.…”

A Case of Swallow Syncope Associated With Cold Beverage Ingestion

“…Since Spens described a possible case of swallow syncope in 1793,4) approximately 60 similar cases have been reported 2). Swallow syncope is associated with various conditions, including esophageal disorders, such as esophageal stricture, esophageal diverticulum, esophageal spasm, esophageal cancer, achalasia, and hiatal hernia,5-7) as well as cardiac diseases, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation 8)9). In contrast, Palmer10) reported cases of swallow syncope without involvement of esophageal or cardiac diseases.…”