Hi Erich, You may not return to check.... but I was reading about tests for syncope the other day, and one is a carotid ultrasound... just in case your father hasn't had that one....
He has had many neurological exams. Nothing has ever been found. I am convinced his syncopal episodes are cardiogenic in nature, just not something that shows on an EKG. Possibly valvular dysfunction that was not caught on the standard echogram. I'd like him to have a transesophageal echogram (also to check his aorta for possible defects related to the pectus excavatum). His uncle had marfan syndrome and I think it is possible that his chest defect is a more minor expression of this genetic disorder. Marfan is quite variable in its expression.
Thank you!
Wonder if a neurological workup would indicate anything? I think if fainting is not cardiogenic, it's neurogenic. It must be very difficult to have those symptoms and not know why!
Erich,
First, the pectus deformity is NOT related to your fathers spells. Given his previous history of arrythmias, it would be reasonable to use a event monitor to see if his symptoms are rhytm related.
The pectus deformity has some very loose associations with mitral prolapse, but definitve associations with other cardiac anomolies are not well described. Some people with pectus have more difficulty with breathing issues, this would be really one of the only reasons to consider corrective surgery. Pulmonary function testing could help start as a guide to see if the pectus is impacting his breathing.
hope this is a start.
Has your father had a 24-hr. or 30-day event monitor? I have had similar symptoms with SV tachycardia: faintness and tingling in the extremities. My problem is due to mitral valve prolapse/regurgitation and occured very early on in the process of declining valve function. I have read that pectus excavatus is sometimes seen in people with mitral valve problems, but I have absolutely no idea how frequent that might be. Wishing your father very good luck.
Thank you for your response. Yes, my father has had event monitors. His cardiologist never found anything he thought was abnormal during these episodes. He has also received a clean bill of health from an echogram... no mitral valve prolapse. His symptoms are certainly consistent with reduced cardiopulmonary efficiency. The question remains as to what is the specific cause is, if not electrocardiogenic or valvular.