Syncope as the sole manifestation of acute right ventricular myocardial infarction in a non-diabetic patient

Shin Chieh Chen, Yen Yue Lin, Chin Pyng Wu, Shi Jye Chu, Chin Wang Hsu, Shih Hung Tsai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Syncope is a symptom defined as a transient, self-limited loss of consciousness, usually leading to a fall. The causes of syncope are numerous, but life-threatening conditions should be identified as the first priority in order to avoid a catastrophic outcome. Here we report a non-diabetic patient who presented syncope as the sole manifestation of a silent acute right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI). The cause of syncope in this patient was assumed to be hypoperfusion of sinus node artery arising from the right coronary artery, hence causing transient sinus node dysfunction. Syncope could be the sole manifestation of RVMI complicated with sinus node dysfunction. Lead II in ECG monitoring itself could only provide limited information and a panel of 12-lead ECG is required in all patients presenting with syncope, even in the absence of typical symptoms of acute coronary syndrome or hemodynamic instability. Continuous ECG monitoring and prolonged ED observation in a syncopal patient without immediately identifiable causes is warrant to avoid such potentially life-threatening condition.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)523-526
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Internal Medicine of Taiwan
Volume19
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acute myocardial infarction
  • Bradyarrythmia
  • Emergency department
  • Sick sinus syndrome
  • Syncope

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Syncope as the sole manifestation of acute right ventricular myocardial infarction in a non-diabetic patient'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this