Abstract

ARCE, Mauricio et al. Is the head-up tilt-test necessary in patients whit clinical diagnosis of vasovagal syncope?: Results using a non-sensitized protocol. Arch. Cardiol. Méx. [online]. 2011, vol.81, n.4, pp.287-291. ISSN 1665-1731.

Introduction:Tilt table testing is a simple, non-invasive, low risk test. A not sensitized protocol has been presented in order to shorten the duration of the test. Objective:To determine the usefulness of a not sensitized tilt table testing and to compare the results with the pre-test probability, given by the Calgary's score. Methods:We included patients >15 years-old with syncope or presyncope with high probability pretest for a vasovagal origin, using the Calgary' score. Results:Seventy patients were analyzed; age 39 ± 20 years old, 66% female. More than 94% of the patients presented a score >-1, but only 30% of the tilt tests were positive. A score >-2 was not associated with the result of tilt test. Most of the patients presented a score of 1 (52) and 2 (11), resulting in positive tilt test 32% y 9%, respectively. Among patients with low pre-test probability there was a greater number of negative results (100% with a score of -2 and 50% with score of -5). Conclusions: This study showed that in patients with vasovagal syncope suggested by clinical assessment, a not sensitized tilt test did not provide additional information, with a significant number of false negatives.

Keywords : Vasovagal syncope; Tilt-table test; Not sensitized tilt test; Argentina.