Transient Complete Heart Block Occurring during Nasal Irrigation

Abstract

Cardiac standstill associated with surgical work about the eyes, nose, and throat occurs but is not frequent.

A case is reported in which the patient collapsed while receiving a treatment with a jet spray in the sphenoid sinus area. There developed heart block and cerebral and myocardial damage. Vagal stimulation with inhibition of the heart beat is suggested as the probable cause.