OBJECTIVE: To present the case of an 18-year-old collegiate wrestler diagnosed with vasodepressor syncope. BACKGROUND: Vasodepressor syncope and the pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible are not fully understood. It is postulated that a sudden, rapid reduction in venous return to the heart allows for quite forceful ventricular contractions. Hypotension, bradycardia, and possible cerebral hypoxia may result, which could cause loss of consciousness. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Cardiovascular, neurologic, metabolic, and psychogenic causes. TREATMENT: Pharmacologic therapy of fludrocortisone acetate and potassium chloride was effective. The athlete returned to full activity without restrictions and remained symptom free throughout the remainder of the season. UNIQUENESS: Vasodepressor syncope is usually associated with full syncope. However, this 18-year-old wrestler never fully lost consciousness. His symptoms occurred primarily with exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The athletic trainer should consider exercise- induced vasodepressor syncope as a possible etiology for those athletes who present with presyncopal episodes.
OBJECTIVE: To present the case of an 18-year-old collegiate wrestler diagnosed with vasodepressor syncope. BACKGROUND:Vasodepressor syncope and the pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible are not fully understood. It is postulated that a sudden, rapid reduction in venous return to the heart allows for quite forceful ventricular contractions. Hypotension, bradycardia, and possible cerebral hypoxia may result, which could cause loss of consciousness. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Cardiovascular, neurologic, metabolic, and psychogenic causes. TREATMENT: Pharmacologic therapy of fludrocortisone acetate and potassium chloride was effective. The athlete returned to full activity without restrictions and remained symptom free throughout the remainder of the season. UNIQUENESS: Vasodepressor syncope is usually associated with full syncope. However, this 18-year-old wrestler never fully lost consciousness. His symptoms occurred primarily with exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The athletic trainer should consider exercise- induced vasodepressor syncope as a possible etiology for those athletes who present with presyncopal episodes.
Authors: F M Fouad; S Sitthisook; G Vanerio; J Maloney; M Okabe; F Jaeger; M Schluchter; J D Maloney Journal: Pacing Clin Electrophysiol Date: 1993-03 Impact factor: 1.976
Authors: John R Halliwill; Dylan C Sieck; Steven A Romero; Tahisha M Buck; Matthew R Ely Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol Date: 2013-11-07 Impact factor: 3.078