Persistent hiccup as presenting symptom in medulla oblongata cavernoma: a case report and review of the literature.

A rare case of persistent intractable hiccup as presenting symptom of cavernous angioma in the medulla oblongata is reported. Pathophysiologic hypotheses about the triggering mechanism of hiccup are discussed, with special reference to the causes affecting the central nervous system. A review of the literature concerning medullary lesions presenting with persistent hiccup is also reported. Finally we have included some brief considerations about cavernous angiomas and the patterns of their clinical presentation, focusing on those located in the medulla oblongata.