Síncopes vasovagales y tumores de cabeza y cuello. Estudio retrospectivo

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Syncope, although rare, can be a manifestation of head and neck tumors. Three clinical pictures have been described: Carotid sinus syndrome, Neuralgia – glossopharyngeal asystole, and Parapharyngeal space syndrome. Our objective was to define the clinical characteristics of these syncodes in our hospital. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of patients with head and neck tumors who presented related syncope, diagnosed between January 2012 and April 2022 at the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital. Results: Five patients with head and neck cancer showed syncope related to their pathology. There were two women and three men, with an average age of 70 years. All had involvement of the parapharyngeal space. Two presented syncope before diagnosis and three after. Conclusions: Syncope should be considered in the differential diagnosis of head and neck tumors, especially after ruling out cardiovascular pathology. In patients already diagnosed, it may indicate involvement of the parapharyngeal space.