Management of adolescent anorexia with symptomatic bradycardia and frequent premature ventricular contractions: a case report

Abstract

Syncope associated with bradycardia and ventricular arrhythmia is an indication of cardiac intervention. However, in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa, the management of syncope and arrhythmia can be different. We present a case of a 17-year-old boy who was admitted to the hospital because of syncope during exercise. Electrocardiographic monitoring showed that his mean heart rate was 41 beats/minute, with many long pauses and frequent premature ventricular contractions. These results suggested that the syncope was probably caused by arrythmia. He had been on a diet and had lost 20 kg in the past 6 months, with a body mass index of only 15.3 kg/m2. He was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Pacemaker implantation or ablation was not performed. Refeeding therapy was performed with mirtazapine. A follow-up showed a stepwise increase in his heart rate and a stepwise decrease in premature ventricular contractions, with an increase in his body weight. The findings from this case show that vagal hyperactivity associated with anorexia nervosa might lead to multiple premature ventricular contractions and bradycardia.