Aortic Aneurysm Presenting As Deglutition Syncope

Abstract

Deglutitive syncope is defined as a neurally mediated syncope in which loss of consciousness occurs during or immediately after swallowing. The causes of deglutitive syncope vary widely and range from intraluminal causes, as well as extra-esophageal compression. In this case report, we present a rare case of deglutitive syncope caused by a thoracic aortic aneurysm compressing the proximal esophagus, a clinical entity described in the literature as dysphagia aortica.

Keywords: aortic aneurysm; barium esophagram; deglututive syncope; syncope; vasovagal reflex.