Recurrent syncope 20 years after mediastinal radiation therapy in a patient with breast cancer

Circ J. 2008 Sep;72(9):1550-2. doi: 10.1253/circj.cj-07-0892.

Abstract

Mediastinal radiation therapy can cause progressive fibrosis and might, as a result, induce various cardiac problems. We encountered a patient who presented with recurrent syncope 20 years after radiation therapy for breast cancer. She had multiple cardiac problems including bilateral coronary ostial stenoses, pre-valvular right ventricular outflow tract stenosis, and constrictive pericarditis. The cause of syncope was paroxysmal atrioventricular block (an 18-s long pause recorded by the implantable loop recorder). The patient was treated by the implantation of a pacemaker and did not experience syncope during 9 months of follow up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrioventricular Block / etiology
  • Atrioventricular Block / therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / complications
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Syncope / etiology
  • Syncope / therapy*
  • Time Factors