[Cardiac syncope]

Abstract

Clinical cases are presented on the general theme of cardiovascular syncope. A case is cited to illustrate the clinical picture of idiopathic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, a frequently disguised and misinterpreted cause of syncope. Chief attention is focused on the concept of fascicular heart block causing syncope. In the light of 3 patients, the various possibilities with respect to etiology, evolution, clinical picture and prognosis of fascicular heart block are outlined. In this context the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic significance of His bundle electrocardiography is discussed. Finally, 2 cases are cited to illustrate the sick sinus syndrome as a major cause of syncope. The diagnostic procedure in patients with suspected lazy sinus node is discussed and the results are presented of 16 personally observed cases with this disorder.