Complete Heart Block caused by a Cardiac Metastasis: A Rare Presentation of Lung Cancer.

Abstract

We report the case of a 73 year old female who presented with recurrent short-lived episodes of loss of consciousness. She had complete heart block due to a cardiac metastasis within the interventricular septum from a probable primary carcinoma of the lung. This metastasis was not detected on echocardiography but was identified on computed tomography imaging. Cardiac metastases are an uncommon clinical problem, but are present at post mortem examination in up to 25% of patients who die of malignant disease. Detailed assessment of cardiac anatomy should be considered when individuals present with complete heart block and possible malignant disease.