Frontal Astrocytoma

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cardiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Exertional syncope can be a symptom of serious underlying conditions.
• Prolonged QTC interval on electrocardiogram (ECG) is associated with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction can influence cardiac electrophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential link between a frontal lobe tumor and exertional syncope.
• To determine the mechanism by which a brain lesion may affect cardiac function.
• To report the resolution of syncope and ECG abnormalities after tumor resection.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 27-year-old recreational runner with recurrent exertional syncope.
• Diagnostic workup included exercise electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram (EEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Surgical excision of the identified frontal astrocytoma.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced exertional syncope twice within 6 months.
• Exercise ECG revealed abnormal QTC interval prolongation.
• EEG and MRI confirmed a right-hemisphere frontal astrocytoma.
• Post-surgical excision, the ECG abnormality resolved, and syncope ceased.

Conclusions:

• Frontal lobe tumors can potentially cause cardiac arrhythmias, such as prolonged QTC interval and ventricular tachycardia, through autonomic pathways.
• This case highlights a rare but significant neurological cause of exertional syncope.
• Surgical intervention for the brain tumor led to the resolution of both the cardiac electrophysiological abnormality and the clinical symptoms.