Diagnostic Dilemma of Syncope: Esophageal Hiatal Hernia and High-risk Bundle-branch Block

Abstract

We herein report a complicated case of recurrent syncope accompanying bundle branch block and hiatal hernia of the esophagus. An 83-year-old woman presented with syncope. Echocardiography visualized the left atrium compressed by an esophageal hiatal hernia, which had potential to decrease the cardiac output. Although she underwent esophageal repair surgery, two months after the surgery, she presented to the emergency department again with complaints of syncope. At the return visit, her face was pale and her pulse rate was 30 beats per minute. Electrocardiography showed complete atrioventricular block. On reviewing the patient's previous electrocardiography findings, we found a record of trifascicular block. This case illustrates the importance of predicting atrioventricular blocks in patients with high-risk bundle-branch blocks. Keeping in mind high-risk bundle-branch blocks will help clinicians avoid anchoring bias due to a striking image masquerading as the true diagnosis.