Open Access Case report

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome after surgical correction of an aortic coarctation: a case report

Lucie Fernex1*, Alessandra Coeytaux2, Thierry Rochat3, Saziye Karaca4, Stephen Perrig5, Haran Burri6 and Mathieu R Nendaz1

Author Affiliations

1 Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Geneva, Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, Geneva, 11 1211, Switzerland

2 Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University Hospital of Geneva, Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, Geneva, 11 1211, Switzerland

3 Pneumology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Geneva, Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, Geneva, 11 1211, Switzerland

4 Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Geneva, Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, Geneva, 11 1211, Switzerland

5 Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Geneva, Petit Bel-Air 2, Chêne-Bourg, 1225, Switzerland

6 Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Geneva, Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, Geneva, 11 1211, Switzerland

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Journal of Medical Case Reports 2012, 6:241 doi:10.1186/1752-1947-6-241

Published: 13 August 2012

Abstract

Introduction

We report a case of postural tachycardia syndrome occurring after the surgical correction of an aortic coarctation, and coexisting with upper airway resistance syndrome.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old Caucasian man complained of extreme fatigue, daytime sleepiness, shortness of breath on exertion, light-headedness and general weakness on standing. These symptoms began shortly after the surgical correction of an aortic coarctation and became progressively more debilitating, impairing any daily activity. An extensive work-up revealed postural tachycardia syndrome and a coexisting sleep-related breathing disorder, characterized as upper airway resistance syndrome.

Conclusion

This is the first reported case describing the occurrence of postural tachycardia syndrome after the surgical correction of an aortic coarctation. This case also provides evidence for the suggestion that this syndrome may coexist with upper airway resistance syndrome, although the exact nature of their relationship must still be better established.