Aeromedical Concerns in Asymptomatic Aviators with Left Bundle Branch Block.

Introduction: Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is disqualifying for aircrew in the U.S. Air Force (USAF), although outcomes for these patients is limited.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Related Syncope in a Young Military Pilot.

Syncope and near-syncope are commonly encountered symptoms. Many cases are situationally specific or otherwise benign, with no adverse aeromedical implications. Autonomic dysfunction can produce orthostatic intolerance with resultant symptoms and is aeromedically concerning for potential occurrence in flight.

Asymptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White Pattern ECG in USAF Aviators.

Introduction: Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern is occasionally found in asymptomatic aviators during routine ECGs. Aeromedical concerns regarding WPW pattern include risk of dysrhythmia or sudden cardiac death (SCD), thus affecting the safety of flight. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and outcomes of aviators with asymptomatic WPW pattern and assess for risk factors that contribute to progression to dysrhythmia or symptoms.

Tachyarrhythmias in young athletes.

Nineteen young athletes with documented symptomatic tachyarrhythmia were systematically evaluated. There were 15 men and 4 women, aged 14 to 32 years (mean 22 +/- 6). Documented tachyarrhythmias were paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in five patients, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in five, paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia in eight (sustained in five, nonsustained in three) and ventricular fibrillation in one patient.

Pharmacological observations in patients with nodoventricular pathways.

Three patients with accessory nodoventricular pathways and re-entry tachycardia are reported. In all three patients the accessory nodoventricular pathway formed the anterograde limb of the re-entry circuit while the His-Purkinje-atrioventricular node axis formed the retrograde limb of the tachycardia in two of the patients and a concealed accessory pathway formed the retrograde limb in the remaining patient. All three patients also manifested dual anterograde atrioventricular nodal pathways with conduction through the accessory nodoventricular pathways being associated with the atrioventricular nodal fast pathway.