[Diagnostic and prognostic value of the head-up tilt test for patients with unexplained syncope: results of a French survey].
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic input of head-up tilt test in the exploration of unexplained syncope.


METHODS
Between January 2009 and December 2012, all patients undergoing a head-up tilt test for recurrent syncope were studied. Follow-up data were obtained using telephone interviews and medical record reviews.


RESULTS
A head-up tilt test was realized in 77 patients (47.8±20years, 53% female) for an exploration of syncope. The tilt test elicited syncope or pre-syncope in 57 patients (74%). The positive response included vaso-vagal syncope in 53 patients and psychogenic syncope in 4 patients. After a mean follow-up of 32±11months (range 6-54months), 90% of patients had not a recurrence of syncope. Of note, the incidence of recurrence was the same regardless of whether the patients had a positive (n=5/48; 10%) or a negative head-up tilt test response (n=2/19; 10%).


CONCLUSIONS
The tilt test has a certain diagnostic value in the exploration of unexplained syncope. Recurrence rate of syncope after a tilt test is low. However, our study suggests no correlation between head-up tilt test results and the likelihood of recurring syncope.
Service de cardiologie, GHI Le Raincy-Montfermeil, 10, rue du GL-Leclerc, 93370 Montfermeil, France.
A
A
El Hraiech
F
F
Monsel
J
J
Sergent
W
W
Amara
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004232:Diuretics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D011379:Prognosis; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012008:Recurrence; D013575:Syncope / Q000523:psychology*; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018667:Tilt-Table Test
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D004232:Diuretics
Head-up tilt test; Syncope inexpliquée; Test d’inclinaison; Unexplained syncope