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Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2020

01-12-2020 | Glioma | Case report

Bradycardia and syncope as sole manifestations of a cranial lesion: a case report

Authors: Dmitri Pchejetski, Mojiba Kenbaz, Heba Alshaker, Kiruparajan Jesudason

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Bradycardia and syncope are known sequelae of brain lesions. However, in the absence of neurological signs and symptoms, bradycardia and syncope are often investigated purely from the cardiovascular perspective and central nervous system-related causes may be easily overlooked during differential diagnosis.

Case presentation

Here we report a case of a 69-year-old Caucasian man who presented to the emergency department after a fall. He had 1-year history of syncope and bradycardia with frequent ectopic beats shown on his electrocardiogram. He had no neurological symptoms. He was previously investigated as an out-patient and a diagnosis of idiopathic bradycardia with ventricular ectopic beats was made. On admission, cardiovascular investigations could not reveal the cause of his bradycardia. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans of his head showed a localized mass in left basal ganglia consistent with infiltrating glioma.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report demonstrating central nervous system-related bradycardia and syncope without other neurological symptoms. This case will serve as a useful reminder to general practitioners, accident and emergency doctors, and cardiologists.
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Metadata
Title
Bradycardia and syncope as sole manifestations of a cranial lesion: a case report
Authors
Dmitri Pchejetski
Mojiba Kenbaz
Heba Alshaker
Kiruparajan Jesudason
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-020-2345-8

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