Stimulus-evoked sinus arrest in severe Guillain-Barre syndrome

Abstract

Guillain-Barré syndrome, or acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, is frequently accompanied by cardiac and autonomic dysfunction. We report a patient in whom minor autonomic stimulation by upgaze, tongue protrusion, opening the mouth against resistance, eyeball pressure, and carotid sinus massage produced asystole. The frequency of potentially lethal dysrhythmias in Guillain-Barré syndrome, coupled with the relative ease of cardiac pacing, makes recognition of these phenomena of utmost importance in affected patients.