Convulsive syncope as presenting symptom of carotid body tumors: Case series
A 78-year-old woman was admitted to Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, in December 2010, because of episodic vertigo and attack of loss of consciousness when she was in a sitting position. These attacks were accompanied with perspiration, pallor and bradycardia and after a few seconds followed with colonic movement of left extremities. She regained consciousness after taking supine posture.\nThe past medical history was negative except for the history of toxoplasmosis 7 years ago; drug and family history were unremarkable. Neurological examination was normal in a lying position but when she was sitting she became pale, lost her consciousness and convulsive syncope happened. Electroencephalography (EEG) did not show any abnormal discharges, Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography scan, Holter monitoring, echocardiography and coronary angiography were normal. Cervical MRA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed CBT [].\nClassic resection of the CBT was performed and a 3 cm × 4 cm mass in the carotid bifurcation was removed. The post-operative period was uneventful, and the patient became completely symptom free.