Episodic asystole and apnoea as the presenting features of a diffuse glioma.

Abstract

A case of asystolic collapse and subsequent progression to apnoea as a presenting feature of cerebral glioma is presented. The pathophysiological mechanism is likely to have been a focal seizure within subcortical regions affecting autonomic function. This example and others in the literature illustrate that severe and life-threatening cardiorespiratory manifestations may be the presenting feature of neurological disease.