Efficacy of implantable loop recorders in establishing symptom-rhythm correlation in patients with unexplained syncope
Liu, Z.-m.; Liu, Z.-p.; Guo, T.
Zhonghua Xin Xue Guan Bing Za Zhi 34(11): 1009-1012
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-3758 PMID: 17288766 Document Number: 598635
To evaluate the efficacy of the implantable loop recorder (ILR) in establishing symptom-rhythm correlation in patients with unexplained syncope. Implantable loop recorders (ILR, Reveal Plus(9526), Medtronic Inc.) were implanted in 10 patients [aged 14 - 78 (41 +/- 22) years, 6 female] with unexplained syncope from October 2002 to May 2005. Syncopal episodes were (4.5 +/- 1.4) patients. During the monitoring period [8 - 21 (15.3 +/- 3.6) months], there were 24 times syncopal episodes in 6 patients. A total of 211 arrhythmia events were documented by ILR in 7 patients and symptom-rhythm correlation could be established in these 7 patients. In 2 patients, there were no recurrent syncopes and no arrhythmia events could be recorded. In 1 patient, syncope was caused by reasons other than arrhythmia. ILR is useful in determining the presence or absence of an arrhythmia during symptoms of syncope when conventional diagnostic testing, such as electrocardiogram, Holter monitoring, and/or external loop recording, is inconclusive.