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Revista Costarricense de Cardiología

Print version ISSN 1409-4142

Abstract

ESCOBAR CERVANTES, Carlos et al. Síncope: Estrategia diagnóstica. Utilidad del Holter Implantable. Rev. costarric. cardiol [online]. 2005, vol.7, n.1, pp.15-22. ISSN 1409-4142.

Syncope is a sudden and brief loss of consciousness associated with a loss of postural tone, with spontaneous recovery. The pathophysiology of all forms of syncope consists of a sudden decrease or a brief cessation of cerebral blood flow. Syncope is common, disabling, and possibly associated with a risk of sudden death, but its causes are difficult to diagnose. Consequently, syncope often leads to hospital admission, multiple consultations, and the performance of many diagnostic tests. A carefully taken history and physical examination are essential for the evaluation of syncope and they may lead to or suggest a diagnosis that can be documented by specific testing. Electrocardiography in spite of its low yield, is recommended in almost all patients, since its findings can lead to decisions regarding the immediate management of an underlying disease (e.g., implantation of a pacemaker for complete heart block) or it can help in planning further testing. Based on the initial assessment (history, physical examination and electrocardiogram), the diagnostic evaluation should proceed as clinically suspected. However, there is still poor information about the usefulness of an implantable loop recorder in the diagnosis of syncope. This article provides an approach to the evaluation of syncope and the usefulness of an implantable loop recorder.

Keywords : Syncope; implantable loop recorder; diagnosis.

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