Bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome in chronic Chagas' cardiopathy
Lavadens, R.; Palmero, E.
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia 42(5): 345-350
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0066-782X PMID: 6508592 Document Number: 222455
A study was made of 6 Bolivian patients with chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection and bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome. 5 had sinus bradycardia, 3 each had atrial tachycardia, atrial flutter and fibrillation, 4 had sinus arrest and one had sinoatrial block. The sinoatrial conduction time was abnormal in all of 4 patients tested. Sinus node recovery time and its correction was abnormal in all of 5 patients tested; the Wenckebach phenomenon was seen in 2. A pacemaker was inserted in 4 patients and 2 were also treated with amiodarone. The bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome may be explained by autopsy findings such as fibrosis of the sinus node and neighbouring areas.