A case of swallow syncope induced by vagovagal reflex

Jpn J Med. 1990 Mar-Apr;29(2):199-202. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine1962.29.199.

Abstract

A 65-year-old man experienced syncope associated with advanced atrioventricular (AV) block upon swallowing. Continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring revealed first and second degree AV block. ECG revealed advanced AV block (Max R-R 6.38 s) upon swallowing, a cold drink. Demand ventricular pacing alleviated his symptoms. In this patient, the advanced AV block might have been precipitated by a vagovagal reflex triggered by expansion of the esophagus, resulting in selective suppression of the atrioventricular node.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrioventricular Node / physiopathology
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial
  • Deglutition / physiology*
  • Esophagus / innervation
  • Esophagus / physiopathology
  • Heart Block / etiology
  • Heart Block / physiopathology
  • Heart Block / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Reflex / physiology*
  • Syncope / etiology*
  • Syncope / physiopathology
  • Syncope / therapy
  • Vagus Nerve / physiopathology*