Vnitr Lek 2011, 57(10):826-833

Diagnostic algorithm of syncope: integrative approach

J. Plášek^1,*, V. Doupal², J. Václavík², N. Petejová¹, A. Martínek¹, M. Táborský²

¹ Interní klinika Lékařské fakulty Ostravské univerzity a FN Ostrava, přednosta doc. MUDr. Arnošt Martínek, CSc.

² I. interní kardiologická klinika Lékařské fakulty UP a FN Olomouc, přednosta doc. MUDr. Miloš Táborský, CSc., FESC, MBA

Syncope is a symptom, defined as transient loss of consciousness and postural tone with spontaneous and mostly prompt recovery. At first it is necessary to differentiate other non-syncopal transient loss of consciousness and simple falls, where thorough history taking is pivotal. EGSYS and OESIL risk scores seem to be contributional in initial risk stratification, however they are neither widely accepted nor a part of national guidelines. They are part of the European society of cardiology guidelines, though. Next it is essential expert ECG evaluation, thorough physical status examination, supine and standing blood pressure measurement and carotid sinus massage, if not contraindicated. Successively one has to decide if hospitalization or outpatient management is more suitable. Recently it has been shown, that so-called syncope management units (aimed for short-term hospitalization or fast outpatient examination, including vital function monitoring, echocardiography and facile cathlab access) are effective in fast syncope evaluation. Echocardiography, ECG monitoring and head-up tilt test should be a part of complex diagnostic evaluation. If syncope is not clarified by upon stated methods moreover syncope is recurrent, electrophysiological study, ILR implantation or both are justified. Despite of entire health practitioner's effort, more than 1/3 of syncopes remain unexplained.

Keywords: syncope; EGSYS, OESIL; head-up tilt test; ILR (implantable loop recorder)

Received: October 28, 2010; Accepted: February 23, 2011; Published: October 1, 2011  Show citation