Abstract
Three patients had carotid sinus syncope secondary to malignant neoplasms in the neck. Pacemaker therapy controlled the cardioinhibitory reflex with bradycardia, but the patients manifested varying episodes of hypotension due to a vasodepressor reflex that most likely resulted from persistent irritation of the carotid sinus by the tumor. These episodes seemed to be self-limiting. Surgical treatment in resistant cases is a possibility.
Publication types
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Case Reports
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy
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Cardiac Pacing, Artificial* / adverse effects
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Carotid Sinus*
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Constriction, Pathologic
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Head and Neck Neoplasms / complications*
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Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy
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Humans
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Hypotension / etiology*
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / complications
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Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
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Syncope / etiology*
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Syncope / therapy