Cardioneuroablation for the treatment of ictal-associated cardiac asystole: case report and literature review

Abstract

Abstract Background Ictal-associated bradyarrhythmia or asystole can be a manifestation of malignant seizure syndromes. In patients with ictal-associated hypervagotonia and asystole, cardioneuroablation may provide a promising alternative to permanent pacemaker implantation. Case summary We present a case of a 47-year-old female with a 1.5-year history of ongoing uncontrolled seizures with multiple semiologies despite multiple antiepileptic drugs who had episodes of symptomatic severe sinus bradycardia (15–30 b.p.m.) and sinus pauses (15–16 s). She underwent a successful cardioneuroablation for ictal-induced asystole with complete resolution of bradyarrhythmias. Discussion This case highlights the utility of cardioneuroablation in patient with ictal-induced cardiac bradyarrhythmia and asystole. Cardioneuroablation may be an approach to avoid permanent pacemakers in this population.