Introduction: Syncope or palpitations frequently present a diagnostic challenge. An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is an important aid in the management of these patients.
Methods: Retrospective study of 62 patients that underwent ILR implantation from November 2007 to 2014.
Results: Previously to ILR 88.7% of patients had performed Holter, 17.7% external events recorder, 33.9% Tilt test and 29% electrophysiological study. The implantation indications were: in 90.3% recurrent syncope, 8.1% palpitations and one for ischemic stroke. Mean follow-up time was 17,1±16,3 months. Symptoms were reported in 66.1% of the patients, from those in 46,8% were a diagnostic finding. In all cases of palpitation complaints was diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF). From patients with syncope in 16.1% was demonstrated sinus node dysfunction, 19.6% atrioventricular conduction disturbance, 1.8% AF and 7.1% paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. As therapeutic measures we found: 19 pacemakers, introduction of anticoagulation in 5 patients, a CRT-D and one ablation of an accessory pathway.
Conclusions: ILR proved to be a safe and efficient. It has enabled to identify serious rhythm disturbances in more than half of patients and provided a targeted therapeutic intervention.