title: Ventricular fibrillation induced by carotid sinus massage without preceding bradycardia.
abstract: Carotid sinus massage is widely used to detect carotid sinus hypersensitivity in patients presenting with syncope. Although generally safe, the risks associated with the procedure may not be fully appreciated by either the patient or the attending medical staff. We present the case of a patient who developed ventricular fibrillation during carotid sinus massage, not explained by preceding bradycardia or concomitant predisposing heart disease, and which highlights the need for ready availability of resuscitation equipment during this procedure.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Cardiology, Regional Cardiac Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK. drdeepaksm@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Sasalu Marulasiddappa
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Deepak
authors.forename: Nicholas P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: Neil C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: Shukri S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Mushahwar
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002346:Carotid Sinus / Q000503:physiopathology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology