[Use of tilt test in the investigation of syncope].
BACKGROUND
In evaluating syncope, a 45-60 minutes head-up tilt test at 60 degrees with or without pharmacological stimulation is often used.


METHODS
We report our experience with a faster, ten minute tilt test at 80 degrees with retilting during isoprenaline infusion, on 15 healthy volunteers and 27 patients who subsequently were followed up during a period of 1-3 1/2 years.


RESULTS
One volunteer had a positive response (presyncope), while seven of the 27 patients reproduced their clinical symptoms. Among the 20 patients with normal test responses, the clinical course revealed the diagnosis in 11. For the remaining nine patients a definite diagnosis has not been made, but they have not experienced further syncopal episodes.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that the abbreviated tilt test is useful for evaluating recurrent vasovagal and orthostatic syncope.
Aksnes
T A
TA
Arytmiseksjonen Hjerte og lungesenteret, Ullevål sykehus, Oslo.
Nodenes
K
K
Gjesdal
K
K
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007545:Isoproterenol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D018667:Tilt-Table Test / Q000379:methods
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D007545:Isoproterenol