Swallow syncope

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2003 Mar;26(3):781-2.

Abstract

Swallow syncope is a rare disorder caused by hypersensitive vagotonic reflex in response to deglutition. A 26-year-old man complained of recurrent light-headedness and near syncope on swallowing was hospitalized for monitoring and evaluation. Continuous electrocardiographic and invasive arterial pressure monitoring showed ingestion of a solid meal evoked light-headedness and complete AV block without an escape rhythm that lasted for 5.6 seconds. This patient received a Medtronic Kappa (401B) DDDR pacemaker with the rate drop feature. The patient has remained asymptomatic on follow-up for the past 2 years.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bradycardia / etiology*
  • Bradycardia / therapy
  • Deglutition / physiology*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Arrest / etiology
  • Heart Arrest / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*
  • Syncope / etiology*
  • Syncope / therapy