Hypersensitive carotid sinus syndrome due to neurofibromatosis-1 and manifested by repeated episodes of syncope

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2004 Nov;27(11):1571-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2004.00680.x.

Abstract

A 28-year-old patient with neurofibromatosis-1 presented with syncope. The exam demonstrated a mass adjacent and inferior to the right occiput that extended to the posterior lateral right-sided neck. Initial invasive and noninvasive testing was negative. Imaging of her head and neck demonstrated a large neurofibroma enveloping her right carotid sinus without vessel occlusion or evidence of malignancy. An event recorder documented asystole. A pacemaker was implanted to avoid the surgical morbidity of removing the neck mass. The patient has since been free of syncope. We believe neurofibromatosis-1 should be included in the differential of syncope.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carotid Sinus / physiopathology*
  • Carotid Stenosis / etiology*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / complications*
  • Humans
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / complications*
  • Syncope / etiology*