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Astrocytoma presenting with apnea and sinus arrest
1Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Chest
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Astrocytoma, a brain tumor, can cause unusual breathing and heart rhythm issues in adults. Tumor removal resolved these cardiorespiratory abnormalities, suggesting brain tumors as a potential cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Vascular lesions in the central nervous system can affect breathing control.
- Cardiorespiratory abnormalities linked to astrocytoma in adults are rare.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old man presented with apnea and sinus arrest.
- Prolonged alveolar hypoventilation was observed as a primary symptom.
Findings:
- These cardiorespiratory symptoms were the sole manifestations of an astrocytoma.
- Surgical resection of the astrocytoma led to the resolution of apnea, sinus arrest, and hypoventilation.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that brain tumors, specifically astrocytoma, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained cardiorespiratory abnormalities.
- Diagnostic workups for patients with respiratory and sinus arrest should extend beyond cardiac and pulmonary evaluations to include neurological assessments for brain tumors.