Abstract
Introduction
Combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy increases long term survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, radiotherapy of the carotid sinus or brain stem can evolve labile hypertension and orthostatic intolerance from chronic baroreflex failure. Diabetes would also cause this neuropathy. Management of patients with Supine hypertension-Orthostatic hypotension can be very challenging.
Methods
A case report was done on a 71-year-old man with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma status post radiation therapy who was admitted with severe supine hypertension-orthostatic hypotension. Patient was managed with both non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods, and monitored for postural symptoms, complications of severe supine hypertension—which has been linked to left ventricular hypertrophy and kidney dysfunction, and placed on 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to aid in management so as to prevent hypertension induced organ damage.
Results
This review outlines the pathophysiology of Supine hypertension-Orthostatic hypotension, treatment complications and potential management strategies recommendations for this group of patients. It revealed the benefit of having a 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, which provides insight on the timing and magnitude of an individual’s blood pressure fluctuations throughout the day so as to further guide management.
Conclusion
Chronic baroreflex failure is a late sequela of neck irradiation for naso-pharyngeal carcinoma due to accelerated atherosclerosis in the region of the carotid sinus baroreceptor. Treatment goal is achieved with adequate control of pre-syncopal symptoms and prevention of long term complications. Non-pharmacological interventions remain the first line of therapy, followed by pharmacological interventions as necessary. Nonetheless, management of blood pressure in these elderly patients with baroreflex dysfunction remains challenging and should be individualized. Moving forward, a prospective study on the incidence of late onset, iatrogenic baroreflex failure as a late complication of neck irradiation and its particular relationship to carotid arterial rigidity should be conducted to increase awareness, timely diagnosis and management of the condition among physicians.
Syncope as the Initial Manifestation of Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case Report
