Outcome of implantable loop recorder evaluation

Cardiol J. 2018;25(3):363-370. doi: 10.5603/CJ.a2017.0101. Epub 2017 Aug 25.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate implantable loop recorders (ILRs) in an unselected cohort in order to determine diagnostic yield, time to pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation, predictors thereof, safety issues, and syncope management including usage of preceding diagnostic tools.

Methods: Patients who underwent ILR evaluation in any of three centers in Region Gävleborg, Swe-den, between April 2007 and April 2013 were included and their medical records retrieved. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of pacemaker/ICD outcome expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and Kaplan-Meier estimates for time-dependent analysis.

Results: A total of 173 patients (52.6% females) with a mean age of 56.2 years received an ILR dur-ing a mean follow-up of 605 days. In the 146 patients evaluated for syncope/presyncope, 28.1% received a pacemaker (n = 39) or ICD (n = 2). The cumulative incidence at 6, 12, and 18 months were 8.8%, 21.3%, and 26.7%, respectively. Age > 75 years was the only significant predictor for outcome (p = 0.010) and the following variables showed a tendency toward significance: abnormal elevation of the biomarker B-type natriuretic peptide (OR 2.05, p = 0.100), a history of trauma (OR 1.71, p = 0.179), and patho-logic electrocardiogram (OR 1.68, p = 0.231). A computerized tomography of the skull was performed in 52.1% of the syncope cases.

Conclusions: In syncope evaluation in an unselected cohort, 28.1% were diagnosed with an arrhyth-mia necessitating a pacemaker/ICD. The only significant predictor was advanced age. Time to diag-nosis is unpredictable and prolonged ILR monitoring is warranted in addition to optimal use of other diagnostic tools.

Keywords: cardiac arrhythmia; electrocardiography monitoring; implantable loop recorder; pacemaker; syncope.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Electrocardiography, Ambulatory / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Syncope / physiopathology
  • Syncope / therapy*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome