Prolonged asystole during head-up tilt table testing after beta blockade.

Abstract

Neurally mediated vasodepressor syncope is a common clinical problem. The diagnosis is generally associated with a benign prognosis, however, a less common "malignant" form has been identified. Head-up tilt table testing is helpful in the confirmation of the diagnosis of neurally mediated vasodepressor syncope and may be useful in the selection of therapy. One form of therapy commonly used is beta blockade. In this case report we describe a patient with neurally mediated vasodepressor syncope who developed asystole during head-up tilt table testing after treatment with a beta blocker.