It's all in your head: sinus node dysfunction secondary to a sphenoid wing meningioma

Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol. 2015 Sep;26(3):300-2. doi: 10.1007/s00399-015-0380-8. Epub 2015 Jul 4.

Abstract

Background: A 57-year-old man presented with recurrent episodes of dizziness, weakness of legs, and presyncope. The electrocardiogram showed a sinus bradycardia and recurrent sinus pauses.

Results: Cardiac evaluation revealed a normal left ventricular ejection fraction without ischemic, structural, or valvular heart disease. Pronounced limb weakness prompted neurological consultation. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed a large right-sided intracranial tumor adjacent to the medial sphenoid wing. Surgical removal of the tumor was accomplished successfully after application of a transient cardiac pacemaker, while decision upon permanent pacemaker implantation was postponed. Histopathology provided evidence of a meningothelial meningioma. Postoperative assessment displayed the absence of sinus node dysfunction after tumor removal.

Conclusion: Careful differential diagnostic assessment of patients with symptomatic bradycardias needs to rule out reversible causes before implantation of permanent devices.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bradycardia / diagnosis
  • Bradycardia / etiology*
  • Bradycardia / prevention & control*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / complications*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Meningioma / complications*
  • Meningioma / diagnosis
  • Meningioma / surgery*
  • Sphenoid Bone / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome