Neurally mediated syncope manifesting during atrial fibrillation: a case report

Circ J. 2002 Sep;66(9):866-8. doi: 10.1253/circj.66.866.

Abstract

A 64-year-old male was admitted to hospital because of repeated episodes of syncope and palpitation. Ambulatory monitoring revealed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) as the cause of palpitation; he did not have structural heart disease. The induction of AF by rapid pacing (50 Hz for 1 s) in an upright position provoked syncope with a vasodepressor response. Atropine sulfate blocked the induction of syncope. The possible etiology was neurally mediated syncope that manifested only during AF, which suggests that the abnormal vagal activity during AF in this case exaggerated the vasodepessor response while upright.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnosis
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Syncope, Vasovagal / etiology*
  • Tilt-Table Test
  • Vagus Nerve / physiopathology