Deglutition syncope to gastronomic satiety: a paediatric case report and update on therapeutic options
We describe a rare and severe presentation of deglutition syncope, manifesting as complete heart block, along with newer therapeutic options, including cardioneural ablation and leadless pacing. Our 15-year-old patient presented with frequent syncope with swallowing, along with symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and anxiety. When standard non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments were insufficient, cardioneural ablation resulted in improvement in syncope. Subsequent standard treatment of orthostatic intolerance has significantly improved the quality of life, including allowing her a more normal diet. The option of leadless pacing to prevent bradycardia during episodes of induced heart block has not yet been enacted due to her clinical improvement.
Authors
- Camden L. Hebson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6484-0629)
- Austin M. Kane (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4047-4289)
- David Wolff
- William Maddox
Institutions
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cardiology in the Young
- Published
- 2026-04-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s1047951126112001
- Primary Topic
- Cardiovascular Syncope and Autonomic Disorders
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00