An atypical case of vagally mediated atrial fibrillation in an elderly woman: Electrocardiographic caveats to diagnosis

Abstract

Vagally mediated paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is typically described to occur in otherwise healthy young-to-middle aged males during periods of high vagal tone. We report a case of cardioinhibitory type neurocardiogenic syncope associated with atrial fibrillation in an elderly female during episodes of nausea. This was replicated during tilt-table testing. The atrial fibrillation was part of a unique snap shot of the entire electrophysiological spectrum of the vagal response captured in detail in this index patient.