Role of implantable loop recorder in the clinical diagnosis of syncope: Results of the introduction of an effective diagnostic tool

Introduction: Extension of electrocardiographic monitoring via loop recorder implantation may increase the diagnostic yield of syncope work-up. Aim: In this retrospective observational study, the authors wanted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of implantable loop recorder in the everyday clinical practice. Method: The authors analyzed the electronically stored data of all patients who underwent loop recorder implantation between 2005 and 2014 in their cardiology department because of recurrent syncope of undetermined origin. Results: There were 52 loop recorder implantations within the study period. During the 167 (+/- 136) days of monitoring, 36 (69.2%) diagnostic events occurred. In two-thirds of events, (46.2% of all monitored patients) a specific arrhythmia diagnosis was reached, allowing definitive treatment in these cases. In this selected population, there was no correlation between age, presence of known high-risk predictors, or accompanying trauma, and the mechanism of syncope. Conclusions: The high diagnostic rate of implantable loop recorder in the everyday clinical practice is in accordance with the findings in prospective clinical studies. This observation supports the early application of loop recorder in the diagnostic algorithm of syncope.