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Kim, Cha, Kim, Yu, Lim, You, Kim, Kim, and Kim: Three Cases of Cough Syncope in Lung Cancer Patients
Case Report
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2012; 72(2): 236-241.

Published online: 29 February 2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2012.72.2.236

Three Cases of Cough Syncope in Lung Cancer Patients

Ka Young Kim, M.D., Seon Ah Cha, M.D., Young Woon Kim, M.D., Hyo Kyeong Yu, M.D., Ye Jee Lim, M.D., Si Young You, M.D., Sung Kyoung Kim, M.D., Chi Hong Kim, M.D., Hoon-Kyo Kim, M.D.

Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.

Address for correspondence: Hoon-Kyo Kim, M.D. Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, 93-6, Ji-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon 442-723, Korea. Phone: 82-31-249-7127, Fax: 82-31-253-8898, miongsok@catholic.ac.kr

Received 20 November 2011       Revised 29 December 2011       Accepted 9 February 2012

Copyright © 2012. The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Cough syncope is characterized by the loss of consciousness occurring after vigorous coughings. There are approximately 90 reported cases of cough syncope within the medical literature. Most cases involving middle aged, overweight and chronic bronchitic male smokers. Although many studies have been published in the medical literature, the mechanism and pathophysiology for cough syncope has not been well established. Cough syncope is treated by correcting the underlying cause when identified, or by avoiding conditions that may cause the cough syncope. In addition, cough suppression modalities can also be used. We herein report 3 cases of cough syncope presenting in lung cancer patients.

Keywords: Cough, Syncope

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Clinical features, results of baseline diagnostic test
trd-72-236-i001

Case 2 and case 3 did not undergo alpha blocker treatment because orthostatic hypotension was not suspected.

BP: blood pressure, mm Hg.

Table 2
Results of specific tests for differential diagnosis
trd-72-236-i002

Case 2 did not undergo echocardiogram and head-up tilt test because cardiac problem and orthostatic hypotension was not suspected. Case 3 did not undergo autonomic nerve function test since vasovagal syncope was not suspected.

BP: blood pressure, mm Hg; HP: heart rate, beats/min; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging.

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