Arrhythmias in neurofibromatosis. A case report and review of the literature.

Patients with neurofibromatosis have a higher incidence of anatomic cardiac abnormalities. However, there is little data regarding incidence of arrhythmias in this population. It is known that these patients have a higher mortality than the normal population, and it is possible that some deaths may be due to preventable causes such as cardiac arrhythmias. We report a patient with neurofibromatosis who was treated for a refractory seizure disorder for 8 years. However, video/EEG monitoring demonstrated that the patient had recurrent syncopal seizures secondary to sinus node dysfunction. Complete resolution of symptoms occurred after a permanent pacemaker implantation. We believe this is the first reported case of sinus node dysfunction associated with neurofibromatosis. Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel