Diagnosis and treatment of recurrent syncope in a middle‐aged women

Abstract

Abstract A 50‐year‐old female patient, presented with repeated syncope for more than 2 years. Prior assessments were conducted at different hospitals, but no definite abnormalities were found. The patient's fear and anxiety about possible future attacks were escalating. Through a Head‐up tilt test, the cause was finally identified as vasovagal syncope. Following a 5‐min administration of nitroglycerin, the patient reported palpitations, nausea, and deep, rapid breathing. The electrocardiogram initially showed a first‐degree atrioventricular block, progressing swiftly to a second‐degree type I atrioventricular block—high atrioventricular block. Immediate intervention was undertaken, but blood pressure was not instantly ascertainable, coinciding with an abrupt loss of consciousness. Subsequent electrocardiographic findings included paroxysmal third‐degree atrioventricular block, sinus arrest, and complete cardiac arrest, prompting the initiation of external cardiac compressions. The longest recorded ventricular arrest approximated 15 s, with sinus rhythm resuming post 10 s of cardiac compressions and the patient regaining consciousness. The patient underwent vagal ablation and no longer experienced syncope.

Keywords

• head‐up tilt test
• vagal ablation
• vasovagal syncope
• ventricular arrest