Atrial Bigeminy, a Potential Diagnostic Clue for Glioblastoma

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor.
• GBM often presents with varied and unusual clinical signs.
• Cardiac manifestations are rarely associated with GBM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of glioblastoma presenting with significant cardiac arrhythmias.
• To investigate the potential relationship between glioblastoma and cardiac electrical activity.
• To emphasize the importance of considering central nervous system tumors in unexplained cardiac symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 51-year-old female with syncope and neurological deficits.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed sinus bradycardia and atrial bigeminy.
• Diagnostic imaging identified a brain tumor, followed by subtotal resection.
• Post-operative ECG monitoring and histopathological analysis.

Main Results:

• Histopathology confirmed glioblastoma.
• Post-operative ECG showed complete normalization of sinus rhythm and resolution of atrial bigeminy.
• The patient experienced a massive thromboembolism post-surgery.
• Tumor localization was noted in the basal ganglia region.

Conclusions:

• The resolution of atrial bigeminy post-glioblastoma resection suggests a direct link.
• Basal ganglia tumor location may be critical for these cardiac manifestations.
• Unexplained cardiac symptoms warrant consideration of central nervous system pathologies, including glioblastoma.