Bradycardia and permanent pacing after bilateral thoracoscopic T2-sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2001 Apr;24(4 Pt 1):524-5. doi: 10.1046/j.1460-9592.2001.00524.x.

Abstract

A 23-year-old woman with craniofacial hyperhidrosis underwent bilateral thoracoscopic T2-sympathectomy. Marked sinus bradycardia with a mean heart rate of 49 beats/min by Holter ECG monitoring occurred after the procedure and persisted for > 2 years. Normal sinus node function was found by an invasive electrophysiological study and unopposed vagotonia after sympathectomy was diagnosed. A permanent pacemaker was implanted. Although reduced heart rate is a common phenomenon after bilateral dorsal sympathectomy, intractable bradycardia with permanent pacing is rare. This patient demonstrates one of the potential cardiac complications of bilateral sympathectomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bradycardia / therapy*
  • Electrocardiography, Ambulatory
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart / innervation
  • Humans
  • Hyperhidrosis / surgery*
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy*
  • Sympathectomy*
  • Thoracoscopy*