Unexpected recurrence of sinus rhythm in chronic atrial fibrillation due to sick sinus disease.
A 60-years old patient with symptomatic sick sinus disease was implanted a dual-chamber pacemaker that did well during the following 13 years. Thereafter, the pacemaker had to be explanted because of a systemic infection, with the patient in constant chronic atrial fibrillation in the meantime. After another asymptomatic year, 6 arrhythmogenic syncopes occurred, apparently due to pre-automatic pauses prior to spontaneous conversions to sinus rhythm. Subsequently, the patient was implanted a VVI pacemaker, whereupon he did well henceforth. This case demonstrates the possibility of recurrence of sinus rhythm even after long-standing chronic atrial fibrillation.
Lehmann
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Ammer
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Alt
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D001146:Arrhythmia, Sinus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012804:Sick Sinus Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D013997:Time Factors