A case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with autonomic nervous dysfunction and literature review / 中国医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:A case of advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma with autonomic dysfunction was reported and its pathophysiological mechanism was discussed.Methods:The diagnosis and treatment of a nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient with autonomic nervous dysfunction such as paroxysmal syncope was summarized, and the pathophysiological mechanism of this case was analyzed by searching related literature.Results:Nasopharyngeal carcinoma characterized by autonomic dysfunction was rare and had a poor prognosis. Autonomic dysfunction caused by nasopharyngeal carcinoma was associated with carotid sinus syndrome, parapharyngeal space syncope syndrome, glossopharyngeal nerve reflex and paraneoplastic neuropathy.Conclusions:Early detection and treatment is a key factor affecting the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Clinicians should consider nasopharyngeal carcinoma as one of the differential diagnoses in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with autonomic nervous dysfunction combined with cranial nerve damage.