Use of implantable and external loop recorders in syncope with unknown causes

Abstract

The gold standard for diagnosing syncope is to elucidate the symptom-electrocardiogram (ECG) correlation. The ECG recordings during syncope allow physicians to either confirm or exclude an arrhythmia as the mechanism of syncope. Many studies have investigated the use of internal loop recorder (ILR), while few studies have used external loop recorder (ELR) for patients with unexplained syncope. The aim of this review is to clarify the clinical usefulness of ILR and ELR in the diagnosis and management of patients with unexplained syncope. Many observational and four randomized control studies have shown that ILR for patients with unknown syncope is a useful tool for early diagnosis and improving diagnosis rate. ILR also provides important information on the mechanism of syncope and treatment strategy. However, there is no evidence of total mortality or quality of life improvements with ILR. The diagnostic yield of ELR in patients with syncope was similar to that with ILR within the same timeframe. Therefore, ELR could be considered for long-term ECG monitoring before a patient switches to using ILR. A systematic approach and selection of ECG monitoring tools reduces health care costs and improves the selection of patients for optimal treatment possibilities.

Keywords: External loop recorder; Internal loop recorder; Unknown Syncope.

Fig. 1

Forest plot of comparison of ILR vs Standard Assessment. (Quoted from Solbiat M et al. [7]).

Fig. 2

Cumulative diagnostic rates between the use of an ILR and conventional tests. (Quoted from Onuki et al. [16]).

Fig. 3

Symptom-free survival curve for the use of an ILR and conventional tests. (Quoted from Onuki et al. [16]).

Fig. 4

The use of ECG monitoring in the work-up of syncope. (Quoted from Ruwald and Zareba [23]).