Recurrent Syncope as a Rare Initial Manifestation of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in the Cervical Region

BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most prevalent form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, representing around a quarter of newly diagnosed cases of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a disease that affects mostly older persons, with a median presentation in the 7th decade of life. Clinically, it has a variety of presentations, ranging from constitutional symptoms to local or systemic pressure effects caused by a rapidly growing mass. Only rarely do head and neck lymphomas present as syncopal events. Although diffuse large B-cell lymphoma frequently involves the cervical region, syncope from the condition without cardiac involvement has only been documented in a few cases to date. CASE REPORT A 66-year-old man experienced a sudden onset of recurrent syncopal episodes triggered by neck movement that had been ongoing for 2 weeks before his presentation. A rapidly enlarging left neck mass was first noticed 6 weeks earlier and he was treated with antibiotics. During a workup of the syncope, a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was discovered to be encasing his left internal carotid artery without obstructing blood flow. Chemotherapy was initiated and resulted in complete neck mass and related syncope resolution. Follow-up positron emission tomography scan after 3 months of chemotherapy revealed an excellent response. CONCLUSIONS Sudden onset of syncopal episodes may be the first or only indication of a neck or head malignancy. As a result, we should be aware of the possibility of an underlying malignancy in individuals with unexplained syncope.