Carotid Sinus Syncope Treated with Roentgen Therapy

Abstract

Recently, we have had occasion to treat a patient with carotid sinus syncope who had been symptomatic and undiagnosed for 4 years. We are presenting this case to alert the physician to this uncommon but not rare syndrome and to illustrate an excellent response to radiation therapy. Report of a Case This 66-year-old white, male, retired police officer, was first seen lying on the floor receiving oxygen at his home on Oct. 30, 1959. Pertinent history revealed that while sitting at the kitchen table he suddenly lost consciousness and fell off the chair to the floor. The first episode of sudden collapse occurred in January, 1955. He was then hospitalized and discharged with a diagnosis of Meniere's disease on the basis of a history of tinnitus in the left ear since 1948. Following this hospitalization the patient noted frequent minor episodes of syncope at almost daily intervals. These disabling attacks