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A constant cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the presence of systemic blood pressure changes and cardiac output (CO) alterations during physiological conditions are postulated by the mechanism of cerebral autoregulation. The aim of the present study is the analysis of CBF in pacemaker (PM) patients with unspecific neurological symptoms. CBF was measured in 9 controls and 23 pacemaker patients with 133xenon, CO using Doppler echocardiography or impedance cardiography. Mean and individual CBF in controls remained unchanged when a CO increase of 28% induced by volume overload was observed. In PM patients a mean CO increase of 38% induced by an increase of basic pacing rate caused different effects of CBF. CBF increased or decreased by about 10% or remained constant. In summary, the data suggest an impairment of cerebrovascular function in those patients with concomittant CBF changes due to CO alterations (15/23 approximately equal to 65%). Thus, the analysis of brain perfusion in PM patients with unspecific neurological symptoms is possibly a new diagnostic feature in the future. It can be discussed whether or not indication and optimizing of pacemaker therapy has to be additionally analyzed by determination of endorgan perfusion.

History and Clinical Findings: A 78-year-old patient experienced dizziness, impairment of mnemic and cognitive function, chronic fatigue and recurrent syncope., Investigations: Hypertensive heart disease, reduced left ventricular function, and ventricular ectopia classification Lown IVb was documented. Computed tomography showed minimal brain atrophia. Stenoses of the brain supplying arteries and of other intracranial diseases were excluded. A distinct correlation between cardiac output and cerebral blood flow in correspondence to changes of heart rate were found (cardiac output 4.2 l/min during sinus rhythm, 7.4 l/min during temporary atrial pacing--AAI-Mode with a pacing rate of 90/min; 4.8 l/min--AAI-Mode with a pacing rate of 120/min; cerebral blood flow: 70, 74 and 62 ml/100 g per minute, respectively). Thus, impairment of cerebral blood flow autoregulation can be assumed., Treatment and Course: After implantation of a permanent pacemaker the patient was without any complaints. The mnemic and cognitive function improved, dizziness and fatigue disappeared. Synopsis did not occur. 14 months later a sudden onset of complaints occurred caused by atrial fibrillation (heart rate 120/min). Cardiac output and cerebral blood flow were now 4.0 l/min and 35 ml/100 g per minute. After antiarrhythmic drug therapy and restoration of sinus rhythm cardiac output and cerebral blood flow increased and the complaints disappeared again., Conclusion: In patients with impaired capacity of cerebral autoregulation a reduced cardiac function and output can induce a reduction of cerebral blood flow. Thus, impairment of mnemic and cognitive function as well as other unspecific neurological deficits can be caused. In these cases pacemaker therapy has to be discussed as an effective therapeutical concept.

This review article focuses on the functional anatomy of the central autonomic nervous system and the autonomic symptoms and dysfunctions occurring with epileptogenic activity involving areas of the central autonomic nervous system. Clinical experiences have demonstrated a close relation between epileptic and central autonomic activity. Autonomic symptoms are frequent signs of epileptic seizures and may cause dysfunctions in almost every organ system. Cardiorespiratory dysfunction has been described interictually. The increased frequency of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy patients may be related to disturbances in cardiac autonomic control. In contrast, electrical vagal stimulation reduces epileptogenic activity by influencing the central autonomic nervous system.