Unexplained syncope--a diagnostic pacemaker?
We describe our initial experience with a pacemaker which performs the dual function of registering episodes of cardiac arrest and pacing the heart when necessary. The apparatus has a prolonged escape interval (2.30-2.65 seconds) and is capable of counting up to 128 "events." Twenty-five patients complaining of infrequent episodes of loss of consciousness have been studied. Blackouts ceased and episodes of ventricular standstill were recorded in 14 cases; the unit helped to establish a non-cardiac etiology for the attacks in two cases. It is suggested that a bradycardia-recording facility incorporated into a programmable pacemaker would provide a much needed tool in the diagnosis and management of patients with infrequent episodes of loss of consciousness in whom a cardiac mechanism is suspected but unproven.
D000368:Aged; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis*