title: Syncope and Idiopathic (Paroxysmal) AV Block.
abstract: Syncope due to idiopathic AV block is characterized by: 1) ECG documentation (usually by means of prolonged ECG monitoring) of paroxysmal complete AV block with one or multiple consecutive pauses, without P-P cycle lengthening or PR interval prolongation, not triggered by atrial or ventricular premature beats nor by rate variations; 2) long history of recurrent syncope without prodromes; 3) absence of cardiac and ECG abnormalities; 4) absence of progression to persistent forms of AV block; 5) efficacy of cardiac pacing therapy. The patients affected by idiopathic AV block have low baseline adenosine plasma level values and show an increased susceptibility to exogenous adenosine. The APL value of the patients with idiopathic AV block is much lower than patients affected by vasovagal syncope who have high adenosine values.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Arrhythmologic Center, Ospedali del Tigullio, Via Don Bobbio 25, Lavagna 16033, Italy. Electronic address: mbrignole@ASL4.liguria.it.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brignole
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Timone University Hospital, 264, rue Saint Pierre 13385, Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Jean-Claude
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Deharo
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Timone University Hospital, Unité Mixte de Recherche Ministere de la Defense, Aix Marseille Université, Boulevard P Dramard, Marseille 13015, France.
authors.forename: Regis
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Guieu
mesh_terms: D054537:Atrioventricular Block / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: Atrioventricular block; ECG; Implantable loop recorder; Syncope