title: Recurrent syncope. Experience with an implantable loop recorder.
abstract: The cause of recurrent syncope is often difficult to determine when initial laboratory investigations are negative. Advances in implantable monitoring technology permit long-term monitoring of the electrocardiogram in patients with recurrent undiagnosed syncope. A pilot device implanted in the left pectoral region established the cardiac rhythm during syncope in all 20 of 24 patients who developed syncope during follow-up. The cause was arrhythmic in 10 and nonarrhythmic in 10. Therapy resulted in resolution of symptoms in 17 of 20 patients. The implantable loop recorder is a promising diagnostic tool for investigation of syncope.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Center, Canada.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Krahn
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yee
mesh_terms: D004594:Electrophysiology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000379:methods; D012008:Recurrence; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*