Carotid Sinus Syndrome - Case Report

Syncope caused by carotid sinus syndrome due to malignancy of the head and neck is rare. The aim of this paper is an inspection into current knowledge of this syndrome, its clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis and current treatment modalities. We present a case of recurrent syncope resulting from extreme bradycardia based on a malignant process in the neck area that compresses the carotid sinus. To discover the cause of syncope, an extensive diagnosis was made including electrocardiography, 24h holter electrocardiography, computed tomography of the neck, biopsy of the lump on the right side of the neck. In order to perform the biopsy, the patient was implanted with a temporary pacemaker. Pathohistological processing of biopsy showed the existence of squamous cell carcinoma of the neck region. Due to localization of the malignant change, surgical resection was contraindicated, so the patient was treated with radiotherapy. Syncope based on carotid sinus hypersensitivity caused by a malignant process of the neck region is a significant diagnostic challenge for any clinician. Neck tumor is rarely thought of, since its frequency is rare in the general population. The disease is mostly recognized in the advanced stages when episodes of syncope are more frequent.