Swallow syncope associated with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Swallow or deglutition syncope is a very unusual potentially lethal but treatable disorder, We report the case of a 26-year-old woman, who presented with a history of recurrent, multiple fainting episodes precipitated by swallowing. Twenty-four-hour manometry and pH recording together with continuous 24-h ECG monitoring revealed multiple episodes of symptomatic and asymptomatic paroxysmal atria] fibrillation, and significant gastro-oesophageal reflux associated with swallowing. Oesophageal function tests and continuous electrocardiographic evaluation is important in (he diagnosis of this rare condition. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.