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Europace : European Pacing,... Mar 2024The term non-cardiac syncope includes all forms of syncope, in which primary intrinsic cardiac mechanism and non-syncopal transient loss of consciousness can be ruled...
The term non-cardiac syncope includes all forms of syncope, in which primary intrinsic cardiac mechanism and non-syncopal transient loss of consciousness can be ruled out. Reflex syncope and orthostatic hypotension are the most frequent aetiologies of non-cardiac syncope. As no specific therapy is effective for all types of non-cardiac syncope, identifying the underlying haemodynamic mechanism is the essential prerequisite for an effective personalized therapy and prevention of syncope recurrences. Indeed, choice of appropriate therapy and its efficacy are largely determined by the syncope mechanism rather than its aetiology and clinical presentation. The two main haemodynamic phenomena leading to non-cardiac syncope include either profound hypotension or extrinsic asystole/pronounced bradycardia, corresponding to two different haemodynamic syncope phenotypes, the hypotensive and bradycardic phenotypes. The choice of therapy-aimed at counteracting hypotension or bradycardia-depends on the given phenotype. Discontinuation of blood pressure-lowering drugs, elastic garments, and blood pressure-elevating agents such as fludrocortisone and midodrine are the most effective therapies in patients with hypotensive phenotype. Cardiac pacing, cardioneuroablation, and drugs preventing bradycardia such as theophylline are the most effective therapies in patients with bradycardic phenotype of extrinsic cause.
Topics: Humans; Bradycardia; Syncope; Syncope, Vasovagal; Hypotension; Hypotension, Orthostatic
PubMed: 38529800
DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae073 -
Journal of Pharmacy Practice Aug 2023PurposeHepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is renal dysfunction associated with the hemodynamic consequences of advanced liver disease and cirrhosis. HRS is associated with a...
PurposeHepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is renal dysfunction associated with the hemodynamic consequences of advanced liver disease and cirrhosis. HRS is associated with a high mortality, and there remain high failure rates with first-line therapy aimed at improving perfusion. We report the use of droxidopa, an oral norepinephrine precursor, to aid in the management of HRS-AKI refractory to first-line therapy. A 51-year-old Caucasian male with alcohol-related cirrhosis presented with 1-week history of pre-syncope and falls. He was found to have acute kidney injury meeting diagnostic criteria of HRS based on absence of identifiable contributing factors. After no response to volume expansion, medical management was initiated with midodrine and octreotide and eventually escalated to norepinephrine intravenous infusion. The patient's renal function and urine output improved initially on norepinephrine, but worsened when attempting to wean to a suitable outpatient regimen, becoming dependent upon norepinephrine. On day 13 of hospitalization, droxidopa was initiated at a dose of 100 mg three times daily and titrated to a dose of 400 mg three times daily. Norepinephrine infusion was weaned and discontinued on day 16 of hospitalization. The patient remained hemodynamically stable and was able to be discharged on droxidopa 400 mg three times daily, midodrine 20 mg three times day, and octreotide 200 mcg three times daily. Droxidopa, an oral norepinephrine precursor, presents a novel adjunctive agent for management of HRS refractory to first-line medical management.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Droxidopa; Midodrine; Hepatorenal Syndrome; Octreotide; Norepinephrine
PubMed: 35426352
DOI: 10.1177/08971900221087974 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Nov 2023The BRASH (bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular block, shock, and hyperkalaemia) syndrome is a recently recognized condition which may lead to life-threatening...
The BRASH (bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular block, shock, and hyperkalaemia) syndrome is a recently recognized condition which may lead to life-threatening complications if not correctly identified and treated early. We report here the case of a 74-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and atrial flutter who presented to the emergency department with 2-day history of dizziness, presyncope, and bradycardia, and a junctional rhythm at 61 beat per minute on initial ECG. She was on apixaban, digoxin, prazosin, and telmisartan. Serum biochemistry revealed severe hyperkalaemia with a potassium 8.4 mmol/L, creatinine 161 mmol/L, glucose 15.3 mmol/L and an upper normal digoxin level of 1.2 mmol/L (ref. 0.6-1.2). Arterial blood pH was 7.2. Given the constellation of biochemical and clinical findings a diagnosis of BRASH syndrome was made, though her blood pressure values at presentation were rather high (180/65-179/59 mmHg). The patient was rapidly stabilised with the administration of intravenous insulin and dextrose, fluid resuscitation, and zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), followed by haemodialysis. Following the correction of the serum potassium to 4.7 mmol/L, a further ECG performed 6 hours later, showed a restoration of sinus rhythm with a rate of 65 bpm, normalization of the QRS duration. The digoxin and telmisartan were discontinued, and the patient was commenced on a calcium channel antagonist for hypertension. Clinicians should be alerted to patients who present with either a BRASH (shock) or BRAHH (hypertensive manifestation) where timely intervention is essential to avoid life-threatening brady-and tachyarrhythmias in these patients.
Topics: Aged; Female; Humans; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Bradycardia; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Digoxin; Hyperkalemia; Hypertension; Potassium; Telmisartan
PubMed: 37473946
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101984 -
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) Dec 2023
Topics: Humans; Speech; Tachycardia; Syncope; Tilt-Table Test
PubMed: 37062741
DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1737-23 -
Disease-a-month : DM Feb 2024Sudden alterations in the heart rate may be associated with diverse symptoms. Sinus node dysfunction (SND), also known as sick sinus syndrome, is a sinoatrial (SA) node... (Review)
Review
Sudden alterations in the heart rate may be associated with diverse symptoms. Sinus node dysfunction (SND), also known as sick sinus syndrome, is a sinoatrial (SA) node disorder. SND is primarily caused by the dysfunction of the pacemaker, as well as impaired impulse transmission resulting in a multitude of abnormalities in the heart rhythms, such as bradycardia-tachycardia, atrial bradyarrhythmias, and atrial tachyarrhythmias. The transition from bradycardia to tachycardia is generally referred to as "tachy-brady syndrome" (TBS). Although TBS is etiologically variable, the manifestations remain consistent throughout. Abnormal heart rhythms have the propensity to limit tissue perfusion resulting in palpitations, fatigue, lightheadedness, presyncope, and syncope. In this review, we examine the physiology of tachy-brady syndrome, the practical approach to its diagnosis and management, and the role of adenosine in treating SND.
Topics: Humans; Sick Sinus Syndrome; Bradycardia; Sinoatrial Node; Tachycardia; Electrophysiology
PubMed: 37690863
DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2023.101637 -
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology :... Oct 2023The management of patients with conduction disease and supraventricular arrhythmias presents a multitude of clinical challenges.Intra-Hisian block, a condition...
INTRODUCTION
The management of patients with conduction disease and supraventricular arrhythmias presents a multitude of clinical challenges.Intra-Hisian block, a condition characterized by delayed or blocked electrical conduction within the His bundle, can result in debilitating symptoms, such as syncope or presyncope. This case report aims to elucidate the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations that were taken in a patient who presented with recurrent syncopal episodes that corresponded to atrial flutter (AFL) and subsequently underwent cavotricuspid isthmus ablation.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 65-year-old male with paroxysmal AFL and a pre-existing right bundle branch block and left anterior fascicular block (RBBB+LAFB) experienced recurrent syncopal episodes that were found to be correlated with AFL episodes. Following CTI ablation, an electrophysiology study (EPS) revealed a prolonged HV interval of 101ms, which indicated potential conduction abnormalities. With coronary sinus pacing, an intra-Hisian delay of 211ms was observed. During instances of atrioventricular block, intra-Hisian delay was evident on conducted beats, followed by intra-Hisian block on non-conducted beats. Ultimately, the patient's syncopal episodes prompted the placement of a dual-chamber pacemaker, which resulted in the resolution of symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Intra-Hisian block is a condition that is often associated with delayed or blocked electrical conduction within the His bundle. When symptomatic, patients often present with syncope or presyncope. Etiologies of this condition include degenerative changes, myocardial infarction, autoimmune disorders, infections, medications, and more. This case emphasizes the importance of electrophysiology studies (EPS) in the diagnosis and management of patients with intra-Hisian block. Prompt intervention, such as the placement of a dual-chamber pacemaker, can alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes. Thus, clinical awareness and utilization of EPS can aid in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment selection for patients with conduction abnormalities and supraventricular arrhythmias.cuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Electrocardiography; Bundle-Branch Block; Bundle of His; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Syncope
PubMed: 37650470
DOI: 10.1111/pace.14808 -
The International Journal of Angiology... Jun 2024Pulmonary embolism (PE) presents with a spectrum of symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic cases to life-threatening events. Common symptoms include sudden dyspnea, chest... (Review)
Review
Pulmonary embolism (PE) presents with a spectrum of symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic cases to life-threatening events. Common symptoms include sudden dyspnea, chest pain, limb swelling, syncope, and hemoptysis. Clinical presentation varies based on thrombus burden, demographics, and time to presentation. Diagnostic evaluation involves assessing symptoms, physical examination findings, and utilizing laboratory tests, including D-dimer. Risk stratification using tools like Wells score, Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index, and Hestia criteria aids in determining the severity of PE. PE is categorized based on hemodynamic status, temporal patterns, and anatomic locations of emboli to guide in making treatment decisions. Risk stratification plays a crucial role in directing management strategies, with elderly and comorbid individuals at higher risk. Early identification and appropriate risk stratification are essential for effective management of PE. As we delve into this review article, we aim to enhance the knowledge base surrounding PE, contributing to improved patient outcomes through informed decision-making in clinical practice.
PubMed: 38846996
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786878 -
Hellenic Journal of Cardiology : HJC =... 2023Cardioneuroablation is an emerging alternative therapeutic modality for young patients with severe neurally-mediated syncope. We present two images of...
Cardioneuroablation is an emerging alternative therapeutic modality for young patients with severe neurally-mediated syncope. We present two images of cardioneuroablation performed in young patients who suffered from recurrent neurally-mediated syncope with asystole and functional atrioventricular block. The patients remain syncope-free during follow-ups.
Topics: Humans; Syncope; Syncope, Vasovagal; Heart Arrest
PubMed: 37647986
DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2023.08.012 -
Circulation Aug 2023
Topics: Humans; Syncope; Urination
PubMed: 37603601
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.066038 -
The American Journal of Cardiology Oct 2023
Topics: Humans; Outpatients; Syncope; Hospitals
PubMed: 37659867
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.08.025