[A transient sinus arrest after right stellate ganglion block--assessment of autonomic function by heart rate spectral analysis].

We experienced a case of sinus arrest probably induced by right stellate ganglion block (SGB). A healthy medical student volunteered in our study of the cardiac autonomic nervous system and received the SGB. After the Holter ECG had been attached, the SGB was performed with mepivacaine 8 ml. Horner's sign was observed after about 3 minutes. A transient (15 s) sinus arrest occurred suddenly after about 6 minutes of the tilt test probably due to a vasovagal reflex, and the subject lost consciousness. From spectral analysis of the Holter ECG recording, the right SGB may be closely involved in the induction of the sinus arrest. Our present case suggests that sinus arrest may occur if a patient stands up after right SGB.