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PubMed2007

International study on syncope of uncertain aetiology 3 (ISSUE 3): pacemaker therapy for patients with asystolic neurally-mediated syncope: rationale and study design.

AIM: To assess the effectiveness of pacing therapy for preventing syncope recurrence in patients with a high probability of cardio-inhibitory neurally-mediated syncope (NMS). METHODS STUDY DESIGN: Multi-centre, prospective, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Eligible patients are at least 40 years of age and have suffered, in the prior 2 years, > or = 3 syncope episodes of suspected NMS (with the exception of carotid sinus syndrome), which is considered by the attending physician to have a severe clinical presentation requiring treatment initiation. Patients with positive and negative tilt testing are included. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients with one or more of the following are excluded: carotid sinus syndrome; suspected or definite heart disease and high likelihood of cardiac syncope; symptomatic orthostatic hypotension diagnosed by standing blood pressure measurement; loss of consciousness different from syncope (e.g. epilepsy, psychiatric, metabolic, drop-attack, TIA, intoxication, cataplexy); subclavian steal syndrome. STUDY PROTOCOL: Eligible patients receive an Implantable Loop Recorder and are followed till the first documented syncopal recurrence or a significant asystolic event. Those patients who have an asystolic pause (sinus arrest or AV block) > 6 s or a syncopal asystolic pause > or = 3 s receive a dual-chamber pacemaker implantation and are randomized to active therapy (Pm ON) or to placebo therapy (Pm OFF). End-points: Primary end-point is the first syncope recurrence after pacemaker implant. Sample size and duration: A maximum of 710 patients are to be enrolled during an anticipated period of 2 years to allow randomization of 60 patients in the Pm ON arm and 60 in the Pm OFF arm (total 120).

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Usefulness of head-up tilt test in the evaluation and management of unexplained syncope or pre-syncope.

This study included 87 consecutive patients with unexplained syncope or pre-syncope who had undergone the head-up tilt (HUT) test with concomitant isoproterenol infusion. A positive response was defined as development of syncope or pre-syncope in association with substantial hypotension (decline of systolic blood pressure > or = 20 mmHg). Coronary artery spasm was suggested from the clinical symptoms and electrocardiographic findings in 1 patient (1/87= 1.1%). Intolerance to isoproterenol infusion was noted in 8 cases (8/87 = 9%). Of the 78 patients who completed the study, 73 showed positive responses (73/78 = 94%). (baseline systolic blood pressure = 125 +/- 23 mmHg endpoint systolic blood pressure = 76 +/- 11 mmHg, p < 0.05; baseline heart rate = 73 +/- 14 beats per minute vs endpoint HR = 80 +/- 24 beats per minute, p < 0.05). In 73 patients who showed positive responses, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) returned to a safe level at 2 minutes when the patients were returned to a supine position (post-study 2 minutes SBP = 124 +/- 18 mmHg vs baseline SBP 125 +/- 23 mmHg, p = NS; post-study 2 minutes HR = 82 +/- 18 beats per minute vs baseline HR = 73 +/- 14 beats per minute, p < 0.05). All 73 patients with a positive HUT test received Atenolol therapy (50 mg daily). Only 35 of these 73 patients took Atenolol regularly and had a repeat HUT test. After atenolol therapy, persistent positive responses were observed in 19 cases (19/35 = 54%) and negative responses were noted in 16 cases (16/35 = 46%). The mean dosage of isoproterenol needed to provoke a positive HUT test in 19 patients who had received Atenolol therapy and had a positive repeat HUT test was 2.3 +/- 1.2 microg/min at baseline and 3.5 +/- 0.9 microg/min for post-Atenolol therapy (p < 0.001). Sixteen patients with a negative repeat HUT test were treated continuously with Atenolol and followed for a mean period of 13 +/- 11 months (range, 1-34 months). All 16 patients were free of syncope or pre-syncope during the period of follow up. In conclusion, the HUT test is mostly well tolerated and safe, even though the test has a low rate of adverse effects. Atenolol is effective for the prevention of provoked or spontaneous recurrent syncope or pre-syncope.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Adams-Stokes attacks associated with carotid sinus syncope. Pathogenesis and therapy of the carotid sinus syncopes.

The pathophysiology and therapy of the carotid sinus syncope were studied by means of electrophysiological investigations and clinical observations in 84 patients suffering from carotid sinus syncope. The most important data and conclusions of the study are the following: 1. The most frequent cause of the carotid sinus syncope (Adams-Stokes) attack is the sinus arrest and a sinus block. 2 degrees-3 degrees av block can be observed less frequent in the course of syncope attack. 2. In a patient suffering from carotid sinus syncopes, disorders of impulse formation and impulse conduction of the heart are frequent. First of all, the association of the sick sinus syndrome and the carotid sinus syncope can be often detected. 3. It is not rare at all that the carotid sinus syncope occurs with extracranial obliterative disorders. Transitory cerebral ischaemic attack frequently develops on the stimulation of the carotid sinus area. 4. The drug -- atropine -- therapy of the carotid sinus syncope is usually insufficient. Generally, pacemaker implantation is the adequate treatment. Late results are very good after pacemaker implantation.

Adams-Stokes Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

The role of pacing for the management of neurally mediated syncope: carotid sinus syndrome and vasovagal syncope.

The role of permanent cardiac pacing for the management of neurocardiogenic syncope is controversial; however, it does have a secondary role in appropriately selected individuals. Neurocardiogenic syncope includes vaso-vagal and enhanced antagonism of sympathetic-parasympathetic mechanisms. Differentiation of the so-called cardiac inhibitory, vasodepressor, and mixed forms of these disorders is frequently misleading when establishment of effective treatment strategies is attempted. Cardiac pacing can artificially restore near-normal heart rate and atrioventricular synchrony during a neurocardiogenic syncopal episode; however, cardiac pacing does not alter the peripheral vasodilatation, nor does it prevent the occurrence of the reflux response. Syncopal patients with carotid sinus hypersensitivity or vasovagal responses that include marked bradycardia and loss of atrioventricular synchrony can be supported by dual-chamber cardiac pacing in combination with other therapeutic interventions that diminish the severity of the reflex response. The conditions of patients with carotid sinus syndrome and carotid sinus hypersensitivity are frequently improved with cardiac pacing, and the conditions of elderly patients with vasovagal syncope are commonly improved with artificial pacing. The classic younger patient with malignant vasovagal syncope derives less benefit from artificial pacing; however, in carefully selected persons dual-chamber pacing combined with drug therapy and education decreases syncopal episodes and permits a return to normal activities.

Bradycardia↗
PubMed2005

Psychiatric profile, quality of life and risk of syncopal recurrence in patients with tilt-induced vasovagal syncope.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and quality of life (QoL) in patients with tilt-induced vasovagal syncope and no other comorbidities, and their relationship with the syncopal burden and the risk of recurrence. METHODS: We studied 61 patients with recurrent syncope and positive tilt testing. Controls consisted of 61 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects. Psychiatric diagnoses were formulated on the basis of a structured interview and the Minnesota Multiphase Personality Inventory-2 questionnaire. QoL was assessed by means of the Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire. Patients were followed up for at least 1 year. RESULTS: The presence of psychiatric disorders was higher among patients than controls (71% vs. 23%, P < 0.001), with a prevalence of anxiety (28% vs. 5%), mood (18% vs. 3%), and somatization disorders (29% vs. 3%). The scores of all the QoL scales were statistically lower in patients than controls. An inverse correlation was found between QoL scale scores and syncopal burden. The presence of psychiatric disorders was predictive of syncopal recurrence during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Psychiatric disorders are common in patients with tilt-induced vasovagal syncope, and seem to predict the risk of recurrence. QoL is impaired in these patients, and is inversely correlated with the syncopal burden.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Comparison of provocative tests for unexplained syncope: isoprenaline and glyceryl trinitrate for diagnosing vasovagal syncope.

AIMS: To compare the sensitivity, specificity and adverse event profile of glyceryl trinitrate head-up tilt with isoprenaline head-up tilt in the diagnosis of vasovagal syncope in patients with unexplained syncope and healthy controls. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-eight patients with unexplained syncope and negative passive head-up tilt at 70 degrees for 40 min, and 14 healthy controls underwent glyceryl trinitrate head-up tilt and isoprenaline head-up tilt (maximum dose 5 microg x min(-1)) one week apart in random order. Outcome measures were production of symptoms (syncope, pre-syncope) with development of hypotension. In those with negative passive head-up tilt, the sensitivity of glyceryl trinitrate for diagnosing vasovagal syncope was 48% and the specificity was 71%. Glyceryl trinitrate was well tolerated. Isoprenaline sensitivity was 21% with specificity 64%. Side-effects prevented completion of the test in 68%. Commonest adverse events were the development of hypertension or tachycardia and intolerable flushing or nausea. CONCLUSIONS: Glyceryl trinitrate head-up tilt is as effective as isoprenaline head-up tilt as a provocative agent for vasovagal syncope and has a lower incidence of adverse events.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

The application of a standardized strategy of evaluation in patients with syncope referred to three syncope units.

BACKGROUND: The appropriate diagnostic work-up of patients with syncope is not well defined. We applied the guidelines of Italian 'Associazione Nazionale Medici Cardiologi Ospedalieri' to a group of consecutive patients with syncope referred to three Syncope Units. The aim of the study was to evaluate the applicability of those guidelines in the 'real world' and their impact on the use of the tests. METHODS: We evaluated 308 consecutive patients with syncope (mean age 61 +/- 20 years; median of three syncopal episodes per patient). The hierarchy and appropriateness of diagnostic tests and the definitions of the final diagnosis followed standardized predefined criteria. In brief, all patients underwent initial evaluation consisting of history, physical examination, supine and upright blood pressure measurement and standard electrocardiogram (ECG) (only in patients > 45 years or with history of heart disease). Any subsequent investigations were based on the findings of the initial evaluation. Priority was given to cardiological tests (prolonged ECG monitoring, exercise test, electrophysiological study), or to neurally mediated tests (carotid sinus massage, tilt test, ATP test), or to neuro-psychiatric tests, as appropriate. FINDINGS: The initial evaluation alone was diagnostic in 72 patients (23%). One further test was necessary for diagnosis in 65 patients (21%), > or = 2 tests in 64 (21%) and > or = 3 tests in 50 (16%). The diagnostic yield was 10% for ECG, 3% for echocardiogram, 16% for Holter, 5% for exercise test, 27% for electrophysiological study, 57% for carotid sinus massage, 52% for tilt testing and 15% for ATP test. At the end of the work-up the mechanism of syncope remained unexplained in 57 patients (18%). CONCLUSIONS: When standardized criteria based on the appropriateness of indications are used, few simple tests are usually needed for diagnosis of syncope.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Does the use of a syncope diagnostic protocol improve the investigation and management of syncope?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of a protocol designed to improve the diagnosis and management of syncope. DESIGN: Prospective outcome analysis of all patients presenting with syncope for the 12 month period from 1 November 2000 to 31 October 2001, compared with a retrospective study of all patients presenting with syncope during the calendar year 1998. Use of the protocol commenced in September 2000. SETTING: Eastbourne District General Hospital, serving a population of approximately 250 000; 25% are older than 65 years. SUBJECTS: 421 consecutive patients presenting with syncope, investigated prospectively in January 2000 and compared with 660 patients retrospectively analysed for the calendar year 1998. RESULTS: In 1998, 71% of patients with syncope received a diagnostic classification. In January 2000 there was an appropriate diagnostic hypothesis for every patient. Ultimately a diagnosis was made for 78% of patients according to accepted criteria (p = 0.003). Use of tests with the highest diagnostic effectiveness, such as tilt tests, increased in 2001 and many tests were used more appropriately (such as echocardiography). However, non-diagnostic tests were still frequently used (such as chest radiography, electroencephalography, and carotid Doppler studies). Costs of investigation and hospital stay rose from pound 611 to pound 1384 (euro;874 to euro;1980) per patient (p < 0.001), with cost per diagnosis increasing from pound 870 (euro;1245) in 1998 to pound 1949 (euro;2790) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The syncope protocol improved diagnosis and the use of appropriate investigations. However, significant inappropriate investigation and hospital admission still occurred. The protocol allowed reliable triage of syncopal patients into high and low risk groups.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Do the recently modified pacemaker guidelines for neurocardiogenic syncope also apply to young patients? Analysis based on five-year follow-up of israeli soldiers with syncope and a positive tilt test.

To assess the classification of neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) as a IIA indication for pacemaker implantation in the recent American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines/North American Society for Pacing and Electrophysiology guidelines, we performed chart reviews and follow-up interviews in a cohort of 45 consecutive young Israeli soldiers (age 18-24 years) with a history of syncope (mean of 9 prior syncopal episodes) and a positive tilt test treated with drug therapy. Asystole longer than 5 s during tilt testing occurred in 11 patients. Five years later, we found that only 2 patients were still taking medications, only 1 patient (2%) still reported frequent syncopal or near-syncopal episodes and 3 patients (7%) had rare symptoms (no more than one syncopal episode during the past 2 years), while the remaining 40 (89%) were symptom free off medications. Thus, NCS in young patients, even with prolonged asystole during tilt testing, a history of frequent syncopal episodes and other high- risk factors described in the guidelines, is often a self-limiting disorder, perhaps stress related or situational in nature; an overwhelming number of patients become asymptomatic and stop taking medications within 1-2 years. These patients do not require long-term therapy; thus, our data would suggest that the IIA pacing indication for NCS should be restricted to older patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Contribution of the implantable ECG monitor in the etiologic diagnosis of syncope and unexplained recurrent syncopal attacks. Initial experience with 32 patients].

UNLABELLED: Following an exhaustive aetiological investigation, 10 to 26% of syncopal attacks remain unexplained. In these cases the correlation between symptoms and rhythm is a deciding step for the aetiological diagnosis. We report our initial experience using an implantable electrocardiographic monitor, a new diagnostic tool in patients suffering from syncope and recurrent unexplained syncopal attacks. RESULTS: The study included 32 patients (average age 55 +/- 22 years; 23 males) suffering from syncope and/or recurrent syncopal attacks remaining unexplained following an exhaustive aetiological investigation. The average follow up was 10.2 +/- 2.5 months. No case of sudden death was registered, and the device was removed in only one patient due to poor tolerance. During follow up, 21 recordings were memorized and analysed in 15 patients (45%), giving an average of 1.4 recordings per patient. The average interval for recurrence of symptoms after implantation was from 84 +/- 104 days, 75% of the episodes coming in the first 2 months following implantation. An arrhythmia was detected on 10 occasions: a malignant ventricular arrhythmia in 2 patients, a non-sustained ventricular tachycardia in 1 patient, a junctional tachycardia in 1 patient, entry into paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in 4 patients, a sinus bradycardia in 1 patient, and a sinus pause for 19 seconds in 1 patient. In one patient ST segment depression was documented following anterior chest pain. The tracing was normal with sinus rhythm recorded on 10 occasions, representing the only documented information in 4 patients. In total, an aetiology was found in 11 of the 32 patients evaluated (34%). Once the aetiological diagnosis was established and a specific treatment initiated, all the patients became asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results underline the significance of the implantable ECG monitor in the diagnostic approach to recurrent unexplained syncopal attacks. The exact place of this tool in the decisional algorithm for syncope remains to be defined with further studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Distribution of syncopal episodes in children and adolescents with neurally mediated cardiac syncope through the day.

AIMS: To assess the relation between the timing of syncopal attacks and tilt test positivity. METHOD AND RESULTS: Prospective comparisons of distribution of syncopal attacks in 49 consecutive neurally mediated cardiac syncope (NMCS) patients (19 boys, 30 girls, mean age 13.7+/-0.68) were evaluated. Head-up tilt test (HUT) was positive in 28 patients and negative in 21. A questionnaire was given to every patient about the time and number of the syncopal attacks, presyncopal symptoms or signs before HUT. Although syncopal attacks were found to be concentrated in the morning especially between 10 AM and 12 noon in HUT positive patients (P < 0.001), there was a concentration in the late afternoon and evening period of the day especially between 2 PM and 6 PM in HUT negative patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was assumed that diurnal variation in autonomic function may be the factor in the timing of syncopal events during morning hours in the HUT positive NMCS children and adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Vasovagal syncope: a prospective, randomized, crossover evaluation of the effect of propranolol, nadolol and placebo on syncope recurrence and patients' well-being.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the relative therapeutic efficacy of propranolol, nadolol and placebo in recurrent vasovagal syncope (VVS). BACKGROUND: Central and peripheral mechanisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of VVS. Propranolol, nadolol and placebo have different sites of action on central and/or peripheral mechanisms. It has not yet been clarified whether one of the aforementioned treatments is more efficient than the others in reducing clinical episodes and exerting a beneficial effect on patients' well-being. METHODS: We studied 30 consecutive patients with recurrent VVS and a positive head-up tilt test. All were serially and randomly assigned to propranolol, nadolol or placebo. Therapy with each drug lasted three months. On the day of drug crossover, patients reported the total number of syncopal and presyncopal attacks during the previous period. They also gave a general assessment of their quality of life, taking into account: 1) symptom recurrence; 2) drug side effects; and 3) their personal well-being during therapy (scale 0 to 4: 0 = very bad/discontinuation; 1 = bad; 2 = good; 3 = very good; 4 = excellent). At the end of the nine-month follow-up period, they reported whether they preferred a specific treatment over the others. RESULTS: Spontaneous syncopal and presyncopal episode recurrence during each three-month follow-up period was reduced by all drugs tested (analysis of variance [ANOVA]: chi-square = 67.4, p < 0.0001 for syncopal attacks; chi-square = 60.1, p < 0.0001 for presyncopal attacks) No differences were observed in the recurrence of syncope and presyncope among the three drugs. All drugs improved the patients' well-being (ANOVA: chi-square = 61.9, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Propranolol, nadolol and placebo are equally effective treatments in VVS, as demonstrated by a reduction in the recurrence of syncope and presyncope, as well as an improvement in the patients' well-being.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1987

Impact of intracardiac electrophysiologic testing on the management of elderly patients with recurrent syncope or near syncope.

Seventy-five patients, 75 years of age and over, experienced recurrent syncope, with the etiology remaining unclear but presumably cardiogenic, after cardiac and neurologic examinations and noninvasive laboratory testing (including an electrocardiogram and ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring). The mean number of previous syncopal spells was 14 (range, 1 to 64) over a mean of 36 months (range, 1 to 480 months). These patients underwent invasive electrophysiologic testing and a potential cause for syncope was identified in 68%. Abnormal findings at electrophysiologic testing included: sinus node dysfunction (55%); abnormal His-bundle conduction (39%); and ventricular tachycardia (14%), with some patients having more than one abnormality. No major complications were associated with the electrophysiologic testing. Patients were subsequently treated with permanent cardiac pacing or antiarrhythmic drugs or both, depending upon results of the electrophysiologic study. Follow-up examinations (mean of 26 months; range, 1 to 70) were possible in 90% of patients. No further syncope occurred in 84% of patients with an abnormal electrophysiologic study who received subsequent therapy to prevent the identified abnormality. Thus, in this difficult group of patients with recurrent syncope of uncertain etiology, electrophysiologic testing was safe and indicated abnormalities of conduction or rhythm in 68% of patients; treatment to correct these abnormalities prevented recurrent syncope in 84%.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator utilization among device recipients presenting exclusively with syncope or near-syncope.

INTRODUCTION: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are occasionally used in presumed high-risk patients with electrocardiographically undocumented syncope, although the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in this population is not well defined. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 33 consecutive patients receiving an ICD (67% nonthoracotomy and 70% tiered therapy) after electrophysiologic testing for unmonitored "syncope" (n = 29) or "near-syncope" (n = 4). Atherosclerotic heart disease was present in 24 (73%); mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 0.39 +/- 0.15; and sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (SMVT) was inducible in 18 (55%). Over a median follow-up of 17 months (range 4 to 61), 12 patients (36%) received > or = 1 appropriate ICD discharge triggered by SMVT (cycle length 230 to 375 msec) in 10 and ventricular flutter or fibrillation in 2--without concomitant antiarrhythmic medication in 8 of 12 cases. Inducible SMVT and LVEF < or = 0.35 were statistically significant, independent predictors of an appropriate ICD discharge (P < 0.02 and P < 0.03, respectively). Estimated 1-year cumulative survival free of appropriate discharge was 34% versus 87%, respectively, in patients with versus without inducible SMVT (P < 0.02), and 18% versus 56%, respectively, in patients with LVEF < or = 0.35 versus LVEF > 0.35 (P < 0.03). CONCLUSION: In this highly select, multicenter population of ICD recipients with electrocardiographically undocumented syncope, a substantial incidence of appropriate device discharges was observed, particularly in patients with inducible SMVT and LVEF < or = 0.35. These findings support the notion that, in patients with LV dysfunction and inducible SMVT, ventricular tachyarrhythmias are likely to account for episodes of syncope or near-syncope.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Diagnosing syncope. Part 2: Unexplained syncope. Clinical Efficacy Assessment Project of the American College of Physicians.

PURPOSE: To review the literature on diagnostic testing in syncope that remains unexplained after initial clinical assessment. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE search. STUDY SELECTION: Published papers were selected if they addressed diagnostic testing in syncope, near syncope, or dizziness. DATA EXTRACTION: Studies were identified as population studies, referral studies, or case series. DATA SYNTHESIS: After a thorough history, physical examination, and electrocardiography, the cause of syncope remains undiagnosed in 50% of patients. In such patients, information may be derived from the results of carefully selected diagnostic tests, especially 1) electrophysiologic studies in patients with organic heart disease, 2) Holter monitoring or telemetry in patients known to have or suspected of having heart disease, 3) loop monitoring in patients with frequent events and normal hearts, 4) psychiatric evaluation in patients with frequent events and no injury, and 5) tilt-table testing in patients who have infrequent events or in whom vasovagal syncope is suspected. Hospitalization is indicated for high-risk patients, especially those with known heart disease and elderly patients. CONCLUSIONS: A flexible, focused approach is required to diagnose syncope. Features of the initial history and physical examination help guide diagnostic testing.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

[Quantitative tilt table study with TCD monitoring. A reliable method for the diagnosis of neurocardiogenic syncope (vasovagal syncope)].

The clinical significance of quantitative tilt-table examination with TCD monitoring in the diagnosis of neurocardiogenic syncope is evaluated. A 50-year-old male suffered a neurocardiogenic syncope during tilt-table examination with a strong drop in blood pressure, an increase in cerebrovascular resistance as evidenced by transcranial Doppler monitoring, and a 30-s cardiac asystole, followed by a generalized seizure. No further syncope could be elicited during tilt-table examination after beta-blocker treatment. It was hypothesized that hyperactivity of the left ventricular mechanoreceptors due to increased force of ventricular contraction during a state of reduced venous backstream to the heart was responsible for eliciting the neurocardiogenic syncope. Tilt-table examination with an upright position for at least 45 min enables the diagnosis of a neurocardiogenic syncope to be made with sufficient sensitivity and specificity. Several studies have shown that medication with beta-blockers is successful in the treatment of neurocardiogenic syncope. The implantation of cardiac pacemakers should only be considered if medication is not successful.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed2004

Situational syncope: response to head-up tilt testing and follow-up: comparison with vasovagal syncope.

Among sequential patients with neurally-mediated syncope, we studied the response to head-up tilt test (HUTT) in patients with situational syncope (SS) and their follow-up. Our findings were compared to those in patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS). The response to HUTT in patients with SS has not to date been fully investigated. Additionally, the prognosis of SS patients has not been systematically studied. We studied 162 consecutive patients with recurrent SS or VVS, all free of structural heart disease. Before study inclusion, they underwent an HUTT and were followed up for 12 months. Patients with SS were advised to avoid the trigger event. Patients with VVS were treated with propranolol or fluoxetine. For each patient we compared the number of syncopal spells during the last 12 months before study inclusion with that during follow-up. Among the 162 patients, 36 had SS and 126 had VVS. The response to HUTT and the number of syncopes before and during follow-up were similar in both groups. Among patients with SS, 10 (28%) had also experienced occasional episodes of VVS; however, they had a similar response to HUTT and prognosis to the remaining 26 SS patients without VVS attacks. Patients with SS have a similar response to HUTT and similarly benign clinical course to patients with VVS. The coexistence of occasional VVS episodes in patients with SS is not associated with a higher rate of positive HUTT or worse prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[It is not easy to examine the causes of fainting. Vasovagal syncope is mostly not dangerous, cardiac syncope is potentially life-threatening].

Of the approximately 30 per cent of the population who are afflicted with syncope at some time of life, 30 per cent will relapse. Despite extensive investigation, no specific cause is identified in about one third of cases. Although some episodes of syncope, e.g. cardiovascular syncope, are benign and self-limiting, others such as mechanical cardiac syncope and arrhythmogenic syncope are associated with considerable mortality. The article consists in a review of available data on differential diagnostic evaluation and treatment with special emphasis on case history.

Age Factors↗