Key result
Pacemaker implantation prevents syncope in swallowing-induced second-degree AV block.
Why the study?
Swallowing syncope is a rare condition that can be misdiagnosed despite thorough multidisciplinary evaluation.
Swallowing syncope can be caused by deglutition-induced AV block and successfully treated with pacemaker implantation.
Supports pacing consideration in rare swallowing syncope; leaves open need for confirmatory studies.
A previously healthy man complained of syncopes and convulsions during meals. Despite thorough gastroenterologic, neurologic and cardiologic examination, the condition was misinterpreted as a psychiatric disorder for 13 years. Then ambulatory ECG, using a casette recorder, revealed periods of 2nd degree AV block during swalllowing. Pacemaker implantation prevented the attacks.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Svein Golf (1977) studied this question. Pacemaker implantation successfully prevented syncopal attacks in a patient with swallowing-induced second-degree AV block diagnosed by ambulatory ECG.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: