SUDDEN CARDIOCIRCULATORY COLLAPSE AND PRIMARY BRAIN TUMOR – A CASE REPORT AND A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

Background. We are presenting a case of 62-year old woman with acute cardiocirculatory collapse with signs of obstructive shock. Methods. After succesfull cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) massive pulmonary thrombembolism was excluded by helical chest CT, but following brain CT revealed a brain tumor surrounded by abundant brain edema. With regard to all the accomplished diagnostic procedures, clinical picture, further clinical course and response to treatment, neurogenic cause of obstructive shock was most probable. Results. After surgical removal of glioblastoma, the patient was discharged from the hospital with moderate neurological deficit. Conclusions. During the course of brain tumors acute cardiocirculatory failure presented as a obstructive shock can evolve, because of local effects on brain circulatory (vasomotor) centers.