Obstructive giant hiatal hernia: echocardiographic diagnosis and therapeutic approach in a frail elderly patient. Case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37615/retic.v9n1a6Keywords:
hiatal hernia, atrial fibrillation, cardiac compression, transthoracic echocardiographyAbstract
Large hiatal hernias may rarely cause cardiovascular manifestations. We present the case of an 82-year-old woman with cognitive impairment and a history of postprandial syncope, who presented with haemodynamically poorly tolerated atrial fibrillation after food intake. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a compressive mass obstructing the left ventricle, corresponding to a large hiatal hernia. The patient responded favourably with conservative medical treatment. This case highlights the importance of considering digestive causes as potential triggers for arrhythmia and the need for a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach, especially in elderly patients with significant comorbidities.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mario José Recio Ibarz, Eva María Moreno Esteban, Irene Pilar Montón Blasco, María Prados Arnedo, Sergio Ponce Moros
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