The Utilization of an Insertable Cardiac Monitor in a Child With Pallid Breath-Holding Spells.

BACKGROUND

Pacing can be a successful treatment for pallid breath-holding spells, primarily in individuals with severe bradycardia.

PATIENT DESCRIPTION: We describe an 18-month-old girl experiencing severe pallid breath-holding spells in whom repeated electrocardiographic, Holter, and electroencephalographic monitoring tests were all normal.

RESULTS

Using a subcutaneous insertable cardiac monitor, severe bradycardia was detected during one of this girl's episodes. This finding led to a pacemaker implantation. Subsequently, her breath-holding spells completely resolved.

CONCLUSION

This child illustrates the ability of the insertable cardiac monitor to help and diagnose arrhythmias in children with unresolved clinical findings. The ability to implant it with a minimal scar makes it ideal for uncooperative individuals with relative few and unexpected episodes that are hard to diagnose.