Carotid Sinus Syndrome in a Patient of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated with Palliative Radiotherapy

Abstract

Carotid sinus syndrome leading to bradycardia, unconsciousness and eventually cardiac arrest is a rare condition. Its pathophysiology is not fully understood. Here, we present a rare case of a 79-year-old male with left cervical lymph node metastasis originating from primary carcinoma of nasopharynx. He was admitted to hospital with history of recurrent syncopal episodes at home. Paroxysms of extreme bradycardia (Heart rate of < 40) were detected during hospital stay. CT-scan and MRI of neck revealed compression of left neck vasculature. This patient was treated with palliative radiotherapy. He showed favorable response in that he became asymptomatic.