Recurrent atrial fibrillation episodes related to monosodium glutamate (MSG) - a case report

Abstract

Cardiac disease is largely believed to be a gift of modern sedentary life style and junk foods. Yet often the clinicians fail to find the etiologic factors in many of the patients. This case report is about recurrent episodes of atrial fibrillation in a physician. Careful history revealed the relationship of having ingested Chinese food before every episode of the atrial fibrillation. Aspartame and flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate have been considered as the food ingredients that may cause such arrythmias. The patient had to be treated aggressively with drugs and even cardiac cryoablation of four pulmonary veins and radiofrequency ablation of right atrium. Key words: Monosodium glutamate (MSG); Exocitotoxins; Cardiac arrhythmias; Atrial fibrillation Citation: Purvez A, Valentine CM, Monfredi OJ, Engel GD. Recurrent atrial fibrillation episodes related to monosodium glutamate (MSG) - a case report. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2023;27(4):613−615. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v27i4.2273 Received: June 29, 2023; Reviewed: July 4, 2023; Accepted: July 4, 2023