Una causa rara de síncope

Objectives

To describe a rare cause of syncope whose mechanism is the compression of the left atrium caused by large hiatal hernia.

Material and method

Description of three patients visiting our hospital for repeat episodes of syncope in relation to food intake.

Conclusions

Food intake in patients with large hiatal hernia can cause syncope caused by compression of the left atrium whose diagnosis may be delayed to be classified as «situational» or swallowing. Transthoracic echocardiography and chest computed tomography were essential for correct diagnosis. Symptoms disappear with the surgical treatment of hiatal hernia or or alleviated by decreasing the volume of intake.