Fascicular parasystole and recurrent syncope - a case report

Introduction Parasystole refers to an ectopic pacemaker that discharges with a constant rate competing with the primary pacemaker of the heart the sinus node. Parasystolic pacemakers have been described in the atrium, atrioventricular node, His bundle, and in the ventricle. Ventricular parasystole usually carries a benign prognosis, but there are a few reports of ventricular tachyarrhythmia initiated by parasystolic beats. Case presentation We present a case of a 15-year-old otherwise healthy teenager with recurrent most likely arrhythmic syncope who was diagnosed with ventricular parasystole from the left posterior fascicle. After exclusion of structural and primary electrical heart disease, the patient was deemed at increased risk of parasystole-induced tachyarrhythmia, and thus catheter ablation of the ectopic focus was performed. Since catheter ablation the patient continues to be free of any symptoms. Discussion This report highlights the potential risks of parasystole in context of recurrent syncope and reviews the available literature on parasystole and ventricular tachyarrhythmia.