비인강암 환자에서 발생한 경동맥동 과민증후군

A Syndrome of Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity in a Patient with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

저자들은 극소진행형 비인강암(제 4기, N₄N₂(c)) 환자에서 종양으로 인한 경동맥동 과민증후군과 관련되어 실신이 발생하였으며 방사선치료후 호전된 환자 1예를 경험하였다.

The syndrome of carotid sinus hypersensitivity is cardovascular symptom complex including lightheadedness, transient loss of consciousness, perspiration, pallor, weakness of lower extremities, transient hypotension, bradycardia and seizure, which occurs from firing of hyperactive carotid sinus reflex. Most cases are idiopathic, but maliganant tumors involving parapharyngeal space have been occasionally implicated. We present a case of carotid sinus hypersensitivity due to nasopharyngeal carcinoma invading the parapharyngeal space with bilateral cervical lymphnode metastases(stage IV, T₄N₂M(0)). The patient experienced several episodes of severe syncope proceeded by blurring of vision, dizziness and nausea, which were used to occur while he was working in erect position. The tumors were markedly regressed by external radiation therapy with successful resolution of syncope.