Acta Medica Medianae
Vol. 48, No1 , Januar, 2009
UDK 61
YU ISSN 0365-4478
 

Correspondence to:
Tomislav Kostić

Zmaj Jovina 25/8

34000 Kragujevac, Srbija

Tel.: 034/345-230

Original article

Implantable loop recorder in diagnosis OF unexplained syncope

Tomislav Kostić¹, Zoran Perišić¹, Dragan Milić², Sonja Šalinger Martinović¹, Milan Živković¹, Nenad Božinović¹, Vladimir Mitov³, Lazar Todorović¹ and Nela Krstić

Klinika za kardiologiju Kliničkog centra u Nišu¹

Klinika za vaskularnu hirurgiju Kliničkog centra u Nišu²

Kardiološko odeljenje Opšte bolnice u Zaječaru³

Implantable loop recorder is a diagnostic method in cardiology, with a role in revealing the cause of reoccurring unexplained syncope. For automatic recording, the device is equipped with bradycardia and tachycardia programmable options. Battery capacity is 14 months.

The aim of the study was to investigate the use of loop recorder in the diagnosis of unexplained syncope.

The study enrolled patients with unexplained syncope who were consecutively referred to our Syncope Unit, either as outpatients or during hospitalization, in an 8-month period. This study included 17 patients with unexplained syncope (9 male, 8 female). Average age range was 43±21.1 years. The first control was after 14 days, the second after 1 month and the third control after 2 months of study beginning. In case of symptoms appearance, the control examination was done immediately. Total follow-up period was 64±37 days. If the patients had positive finding, the implantation of permanent pace maker was done. Results: In 9 patients, the cause of syncope was verified and they received a permanent pacemaker. They had the pauses in heart action longer than 3 sec. The shortest time to diagnosis was 14 days and the longest time period was 48 days. There was no severe irregular rhythm.

Loop recorder is a very important diagnostic method with a role in revealing the cause of unexplained syncope. Acta Medica Medianae 2009;48(1): 12-14.

Key word: unexplained syncope, loop recorder