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Wang H, Ma W, Jin M, Li B, Sun S. Value of catecholamine levels in the differential diagnosis of vasovagal syncope and psychogenic pseudosyncope in children. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1281196. [PMID: 38884104 PMCID: PMC11176470 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1281196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Vasovagal syncope (VVS) and psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS) can be difficult to distinguish, given their similar clinical presentations. This study was conducted to explore the clinical value of catecholamine levels in the differential diagnosis of VVS and PPS in children. Methods This retrospective case-control study was conducted with data from children with VVS and PPS who underwent head-up tilt tests (HUTTs) at the Children's Hospital of Hebei Province between March 2021 and March 2023. The data collected were baseline clinical characteristics, HUTT results, serum catecholamine levels in the supine and upright positions, and 24 h urinary catecholamine concentrations. These variables were compared between the VVS and PPS groups. Results From 328 potentially eligible cases, 54 (16.46%) cases of VVS and 24 (7.32%) cases of PPS were included in the analysis. No significant difference in age, sex, body mass index, or syncope frequency was observed between the VVS and PPS groups. The main predisposing factors for syncope were body position changes in the VSS group (83.33%) and emotional changes in the PPS group (41.67%). The episode duration was significantly shorter in the VSS group than in the PPS group (4.01 ± 1.20 vs. 24.06 ± 5.56 min, p < 0.05). The recovery time was also shorter in the VVS group than in the PPS group (1.91 ± 0.85 vs. 8.62 ± 2.55 min, p < 0.05). Relative to patients with PPS, those with VVS had significantly higher serum epinephrine (EP) levels in the upright position [199.35 (102.88, 575.00) vs. 147.40 (103.55, 227.25), p < 0.05] and lower serum epinephrine levels in the supine position [72.70 (42.92, 122.85) vs. 114.50 (66.57, 227.50), p < 0.05]. Conclusions Serum EP levels have potential value in the differential diagnosis of VVS and PPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Pediatric Cardiovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wandong Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mei Jin
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Pediatric Cardiovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Suzhen Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
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Kokorelis C, Rowe PC. Seizure Versus Convulsive Syncope: A Case Report. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2024:99228241253902. [PMID: 38742456 DOI: 10.1177/00099228241253902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kokorelis
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Vogel M, Fischer T. [Syncopes - differential diagnoses and treatment]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2024; 149:521-531. [PMID: 38621687 DOI: 10.1055/a-2186-1100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Syncope is a sudden loss of consciousness (transient loss of consciousness, TLOC) caused by a lack of cerebral perfusion that resolves spontaneously and completely after a short period of time 1. With a lifetime prevalence of 40% and constituting about 1% of all emergency department admissions, syncope is a common and medically relevant problem 2 3. The underlying causes of syncope are diverse and associated with significantly different prognoses. A structured approach is essential to identify high-risk patients and ensure appropriate treatment. This article aims at providing an overview of the current recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of syncope.
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Balconi M, Angioletti L, Crivelli D. Neurofeedback as neuroempowerment technique for affective regulation and interoceptive awareness in adolescence: preliminary considerations applied to a psychogenic pseudosyncope case. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 4:1056972. [PMID: 37456793 PMCID: PMC10347858 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1056972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Revisions of classical models of acute stress response spectrum and defence cascade process might represent a valuable background for the interpretation of the link between affective reactions, traumatic experiences, and Psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS) events in childhood and across the lifespan. Indeed, associations between subjective emotional life, early exposure to distressing and/or traumatic events, and PPS have fuelled a debate on potential causes of occurrence and recurrence of such a peculiar clinical manifestation. At the same time, such background suggests that empowering stress management and affective regulation skills could be the target for neurorehabilitation interventions aiming at reducing the severity of symptomatology and/or improving awareness and management of pseudosyncopal spells. Specifically, neuro/biofeedback-based empowerment of self-regulation skills, associated to an increased interoceptive increased awareness, could be a promising complement to classical psychological therapies. Starting from the presentation of a paediatric PPS clinical case, the present work discusses the relevance of assessing affective appraisal and autonomic reactivity in individuals suffering from PPS episodes and introduces a novel potential neuroempowerment protocol aimed at improving self-regulation and stress management skills in adolescence based on a combined neurofeedback and embodied-awareness intervention. By capitalizing available evidence of the effects of neuromodulation and embodied practices on self-awareness/regulation across the life-span, the proposed protocol is based on neurofeedback-supported affective management training, as well as both contemplative and informal awareness exercises devised to be appealing and challenging even for younger patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Balconi
- International research center for Cognitive Applied Neuroscience (IrcCAN), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
- Research Unit in Affective and Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Angioletti
- International research center for Cognitive Applied Neuroscience (IrcCAN), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
- Research Unit in Affective and Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Crivelli
- International research center for Cognitive Applied Neuroscience (IrcCAN), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
- Research Unit in Affective and Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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Boris JR, Abdallah H, Ahrens S, Chelimsky G, Chelimsky TC, Fischer PR, Fortunato JE, Gavin R, Gilden JL, Gonik R, Grubb BP, Klaas KM, Marriott E, Marsillio LE, Medow MS, Norcliffe-Kaufmann L, Numan MT, Olufs E, Pace LA, Pianosi PT, Simpson P, Stewart JM, Tarbell S, Van Waning NR, Weese-Mayer DE. Creating a data dictionary for pediatric autonomic disorders. Clin Auton Res 2023; 33:301-377. [PMID: 36800049 PMCID: PMC9936127 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-023-00923-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Whether evaluating patients clinically, documenting care in the electronic health record, performing research, or communicating with administrative agencies, the use of a common set of terms and definitions is vital to ensure appropriate use of language. At a 2017 meeting of the Pediatric Section of the American Autonomic Society, it was determined that an autonomic data dictionary comprising aspects of evaluation and management of pediatric patients with autonomic disorders would be an important resource for multiple stakeholders. METHODS Our group created the list of terms for the dictionary. Definitions were prioritized to be obtained from established sources with which to harmonize. Some definitions needed mild modification from original sources. The next tier of sources included published consensus statements, followed by Internet sources. In the absence of appropriate sources, we created a definition. RESULTS A total of 589 terms were listed and defined in the dictionary. Terms were organized by Signs/Symptoms, Triggers, Co-morbid Disorders, Family History, Medications, Medical Devices, Physical Examination Findings, Testing, and Diagnoses. CONCLUSION Creation of this data dictionary becomes the foundation of future clinical care and investigative research in pediatric autonomic disorders, and can be used as a building block for a subsequent adult autonomic data dictionary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Boris
- Jeffrey R. Boris, MD LLC, P.O. Box 16, Moylan, PA, 19065, USA.
| | | | | | - Gisela Chelimsky
- Children's Hospital of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Philip R Fischer
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | | | - Janice L Gilden
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Renato Gonik
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Erin Marriott
- American Family Children's Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lauren E Marsillio
- Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Mohammed T Numan
- University of Texas Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erin Olufs
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Paul T Pianosi
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Sally Tarbell
- Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Debra E Weese-Mayer
- Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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de Jong JSY, van Zanten S, Thijs RD, van Rossum IA, Harms MPM, de Groot JR, Sutton R, de Lange FJ. Syncope Diagnosis at Referral to a Tertiary Syncope Unit: An in-Depth Analysis of the FAST II. J Clin Med 2023; 12:2562. [PMID: 37048646 PMCID: PMC10095278 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A substantial number of patients with a transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC) are referred to a tertiary syncope unit without a diagnosis. This study investigates the final diagnoses reached in patients who, on referral, were undiagnosed or inaccurately diagnosed in secondary care. METHODS This study is an in-depth analysis of the recently published Fainting Assessment Study II, a prospective cohort study in a tertiary syncope unit. The diagnosis at the tertiary syncope unit was established after history taking (phase 1), following autonomic function tests (phase 2), and confirming after critical follow-up of 1.5-2 years, with the adjudicated diagnosis (phase 3) by a multidisciplinary committee. Diagnoses suggested by the referring physician were considered the phase 0 diagnosis. We determined the accuracy of the phase 0 diagnosis by comparing this with the phase 3 diagnosis. RESULTS 51% (134/264) of patients had no diagnosis upon referral (phase 0), the remaining 49% (130/264) carried a diagnosis, but 80% (104/130) considered their condition unexplained. Of the patients undiagnosed at referral, three major causes of T-LOC were revealed: reflex syncope (69%), initial orthostatic hypotension (20%) and psychogenic pseudosyncope (13%) (sum > 100% due to cases with multiple causes). Referral diagnoses were either inaccurate or incomplete in 65% of the patients and were mainly altered at tertiary care assessment to reflex syncope, initial orthostatic hypotension or psychogenic pseudosyncope. A diagnosis of cardiac syncope at referral proved wrong in 17/18 patients. CONCLUSIONS Syncope patients diagnosed or undiagnosed in primary and secondary care and referred to a syncope unit mostly suffer from reflex syncope, initial orthostatic hypotension or psychogenic pseudosyncope. These causes of T-LOC do not necessarily require ancillary tests, but can be diagnosed by careful history-taking. Besides access to a network of specialized syncope units, simple interventions, such as guideline-based structured evaluation, proper risk-stratification and critical follow-up may reduce diagnostic delay and improve diagnostic accuracy for syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle S. Y. de Jong
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven van Zanten
- Department of Cardiology, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, 2625 AD Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Roland D. Thijs
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), 2103 SW Heemstede, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ineke A. van Rossum
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mark P. M. Harms
- Department of Internal and Emergency Medicine, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joris R. de Groot
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart & Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Imperial College, London SW7 6LY, UK
| | - Frederik J. de Lange
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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7
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Milano BA, Moutoussis M, Convertino L. The neurobiology of functional neurological disorders characterised by impaired awareness. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1122865. [PMID: 37009094 PMCID: PMC10060839 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1122865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We review the neurobiology of Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), i.e., neurological disorders not explained by currently identifiable histopathological processes, in order to focus on those characterised by impaired awareness (functionally impaired awareness disorders, FIAD), and especially, on the paradigmatic case of Resignation Syndrome (RS). We thus provide an improved more integrated theory of FIAD, able to guide both research priorities and the diagnostic formulation of FIAD. We systematically address the diverse spectrum of clinical presentations of FND with impaired awareness, and offer a new framework for understanding FIAD. We find that unraveling the historical development of neurobiological theory of FIAD is of paramount importance for its current understanding. Then, we integrate contemporary clinical material in order to contextualise the neurobiology of FIAD within social, cultural, and psychological perspectives. We thus review neuro-computational insights in FND in general, to arrive at a more coherent account of FIAD. FIAD may be based on maladaptive predictive coding, shaped by stress, attention, uncertainty, and, ultimately, neurally encoded beliefs and their updates. We also critically appraise arguments in support of and against such Bayesian models. Finally, we discuss implications of our theoretical account and provide pointers towards an improved clinical diagnostic formulation of FIAD. We suggest directions for future research towards a more unified theory on which future interventions and management strategies could be based, as effective treatments and clinical trial evidence remain limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Annunziata Milano
- Institute of Life Sciences, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michael Moutoussis
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery (UCLH), London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Convertino
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery (UCLH), London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Laura Convertino,
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8
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Li C, Zhang Y, Liao Y, Han L, Zhang Q, Fu J, Zhou D, Long S, Tian H, Jin H, Du J. Differential Diagnosis Between Psychogenic Pseudosyncope and Vasovagal Syncope in Children: A Quantitative Scoring Model Based on Clinical Manifestations. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:839183. [PMID: 35155640 PMCID: PMC8829042 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.839183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The study was designed to explore a clinical manifestation-based quantitative scoring model to assist the differentiation between psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS) and vasovagal syncope (VVS) in children. In this retrospective case-control study, the training set included 233 pediatric patients aged 5–17 years (183 children with VVS and 50 with PPS) and the validation set consisted of another 138 patients aged 5–15 years (100 children with VVS and 38 with PPS). In the training set study, the demographic characteristics and clinical presentation of patients were compared between PPS and VVS. The independent variables were analyzed by binary logistic regression, and the score for each variable was given according to the approximate values of odds ratio (OR) to develop a scoring model for distinguishing PPS and VVS. The cut-off scores and area under the curve (AUC) for differentiating PPS and VVS cases were calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Then, the ability of the scoring model to differentiate PPS from VVS was validated by the true clinical diagnosis of PPS and VVS in the validation set. In the training set, there were 7 variables with significant differences between the PPS and VVS groups, including duration of loss of consciousness (DLOC) (p < 0.01), daily frequency of attacks (p < 0.01), BMI (p < 0.01), 24-h average HR (p < 0.01), upright posture (p < 0.01), family history of syncope (p < 0.05) and precursors (p < 0.01). The binary regression analysis showed that upright posture, DLOC, daily frequency of attacks, and BMI were independent variables to distinguish between PPS and VVS. Based on the OR values of each independent variable, a score of 5 as the cut-off point for differentiating PPS from VVS yielded the sensitivity and specificity of 92.0% and 90.7%, respectively, and the AUC value was 0.965 (95% confidence interval: 0.945–0.986, p < 0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this scoring model in the external validation set to distinguish PPS from VVS were 73.7%, 93.0%, and 87.7%, respectively. Therefore, the clinical manifestation-based scoring model is a simple and efficient measure to distinguish between PPS and VVS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjian Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Han
- Cardiovascular Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyou Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuai Long
- Cardiovascular Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Tian
- Cardiovascular Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Hong Tian
| | - Hongfang Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Hongfang Jin
| | - Junbao Du
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, The Ministry of China, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Junbao Du
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9
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van Campen C(LMC, Visser FC. Psychogenic Pseudosyncope: Real or Imaginary? Results from a Case-Control Study in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Patients. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58010098. [PMID: 35056406 PMCID: PMC8781940 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is a clinical condition in which symptoms worsen upon assuming and maintaining upright posture and are ameliorated by recumbency. OI has a high prevalence in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Exact numbers on syncopal spells especially if they are on a weekly or even daily basis are not described. Although not a frequent phenomenon, this symptomatology is of very high burden to the patient if present. To explore whether patients with very frequent (pre)syncope spells diagnosed elsewhere with conversion or psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS) might have another explanation of their fainting spells than behavioral psychiatric disorders, we performed a case-control study comparing ME/CFS patients with and without PPS spells. Methods and results: We performed a case-control study in 30 ME/CFS patients diagnosed elsewhere with PPS and compared them with 30 control ME/CFS patients without syncopal spells. Cases were gender, age and ME/CFS disease duration matched. Each underwent a tilt test with extracranial Doppler measurements for cerebral blood flow (CBF). ME/CFS cases with PPS had a significant larger CBF reduction at end tilt than controls: 39 (6)% vs. 25 (4)%; (p < 0.0001). Cases had more severe disease compared with controls (chi-square p < 0.01 and had a p = 0.01) for more postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in cases compared with controls. PETCO2 end-tilt differed also, but the magnitude of difference was smaller than compared with the CBF reduction: there were no differences in heart rate and blood pressure at either end-tilt testing period. Compared with the test with the stockings off, the mean percentage reduction in cardiac output during the test with compression stockings on was lower, 25 (5) mmHg versus 29 (4) mmHg (p < 0.005). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that in ME/CFS patients suspected of having PPS, or conversion, CBF measurements end-tilt show a large decline compared with a control group of ME/CFS patients. Therefore, hypoperfusion offers an explanation of the orthostatic intolerance and syncopal spells in these patients, where it is clear that origin might not be behavioral or psychogenic, but have a clear somatic pathophysiologic background.
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10
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de Jong JSY, Blok MRS, Thijs RD, Harms MPM, Hemels MEW, de Groot JR, van Dijk N, de Lange FJ. Diagnostic yield and accuracy in a tertiary referral syncope unit validating the ESC guideline on syncope: a prospective cohort study. Europace 2021; 23:797-805. [PMID: 33219671 PMCID: PMC8139816 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims To assess in patients with transient loss of consciousness the diagnostic yield, accuracy, and safety of the structured approach as described in the ESC guidelines in a tertiary referral syncope unit. Methods and results Prospective cohort study including 264 consecutive patients (≥18 years) referred with at least one self-reported episode of transient loss of consciousness and presenting to the syncope unit between October 2012 and February 2015. The study consisted of three phases: history taking (Phase 1), autonomic function tests (AFTs) (Phase 2), and after 1.5-year follow-up with assessment by a multidisciplinary committee (Phase 3). Diagnostic yield was assessed after Phases 1 and 2. Empirical diagnostic accuracy was measured for diagnoses according to the ESC guidelines after Phase 3. The diagnostic yield after Phase 1 (history taking) was 94.7% (95% CI: 91.1–97.0%, 250/264 patients) and increased to 97.0% (93.9–98.6%, 256/264 patients) after Phase 2. The overall diagnostic accuracy (as established in Phase 3) of the Phases 1 and 2 diagnoses was 90.6% (95% CI: 86.2–93.8%, 232/256 patients). No life-threatening conditions were missed. Three patients died, two unrelated to the cause of transient loss of consciousness, and one whom remained undiagnosed. Conclusion A clinical work-up at a tertiary syncope unit using the ESC guidelines has a high diagnostic yield, accuracy, and safety. History taking (Phase 1) is the most important diagnostic tool. Autonomic function tests never changed the Phase 1 diagnosis but helped to increase the certainty of the Phase 1 diagnosis in many patients and yield additional diagnoses in patients who remained undiagnosed after Phase 1. Diagnoses were inaccurate in 9.4%, but no serious conditions were missed. This is adequate for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle S Y de Jong
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Heart Center; Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Minou R Snijders Blok
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Heart Center; Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roland D Thijs
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands.,Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland - SEIN, Achterweg 5, 2103 SW Heemstede, Dokter Denekampweg 20, 8025 BV Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Mark P M Harms
- Department of Internal and Emergency Medicine, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin E W Hemels
- Department of Cardiology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joris R de Groot
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Heart Center; Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nynke van Dijk
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik J de Lange
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Heart Center; Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Thijs RD, Brignole M, Falup-Pecurariu C, Fanciulli A, Freeman R, Guaraldi P, Jordan J, Habek M, Hilz M, Pavy-LeTraon A, Stankovic I, Struhal W, Sutton R, Wenning G, van Dijk JG. Recommendations for tilt table testing and other provocative cardiovascular autonomic tests in conditions that may cause transient loss of consciousness : Consensus statement of the European Federation of Autonomic Societies (EFAS) endorsed by the American Autonomic Society (AAS) and the European Academy of Neurology (EAN). Auton Neurosci 2021; 233:102792. [PMID: 33752997 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
An expert committee was formed to reach consensus on the use of Tilt Table Testing (TTT) in the diagnosis of disorders that may cause transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) and to outline when other provocative cardiovascular autonomic tests are needed. While TTT adds to history taking, it cannot be a substitute for it. An abnormal TTT result is most meaningful if the provoked event is recognised by patients or eyewitnesses as similar to spontaneous ones. The minimum requirements to perform TTT are a tilt table, a continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure monitor, at least one ECG lead, protocols for the indications stated below and trained staff. This basic equipment lends itself to perform (1) additional provocation tests, such as the active standing test carotid sinus massage and autonomic function tests; (2) additional measurements, such as video, EEG, transcranial Doppler, NIRS, end-tidal CO2 or neuro-endocrine tests; (3) tailor-made provocation procedures in those with a specific and consistent trigger of TLOC. TTT and other provocative cardiovascular autonomic tests are indicated if the initial evaluation does not yield a definite or highly likely diagnosis, but raises a suspicion of (1) reflex syncope, (2) the three forms of orthostatic hypotension (OH), i.e. initial, classic and delayed OH, as well as delayed orthostatic blood pressure recovery, (3) postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or (4) psychogenic pseudosyncope. A therapeutic indication for TTT is to teach patients with reflex syncope and OH to recognise hypotensive symptoms and to perform physical counter manoeuvres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland D Thijs
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, the Netherlands.
| | - Michele Brignole
- Faint & Fall Programme, Department of Cardiology, Ospedale San Luca, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Cardiology and Arrhythmologic Centre, Ospedali del Tigullio, 16033 Lavagna, Italy
| | - Cristian Falup-Pecurariu
- Department of Neurology, County Emergency Clinic Hospital, Transilvania University, Brasov, Romania
| | | | - Roy Freeman
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pietro Guaraldi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jens Jordan
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany; Chair of Aerospace Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; University Hypertension Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mario Habek
- Referral Center for Autonomic Nervous System, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Kispaticeva 12, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Max Hilz
- Department of Neurology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany; Dept. of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne Pavy-LeTraon
- French reference center for MSA, Neurology department, University Hospital of Toulouse and INSERM U 1048, Toulouse, France
| | - Iva Stankovic
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Walter Struhal
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Tulln, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Tulln, Austria
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart & Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Ducane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Gregor Wenning
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - J Gert van Dijk
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
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12
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Thijs RD, Brignole M, Falup-Pecurariu C, Fanciulli A, Freeman R, Guaraldi P, Jordan J, Habek M, Hilz M, Traon APL, Stankovic I, Struhal W, Sutton R, Wenning G, Van Dijk JG. Recommendations for tilt table testing and other provocative cardiovascular autonomic tests in conditions that may cause transient loss of consciousness : Consensus statement of the European Federation of Autonomic Societies (EFAS) endorsed by the American Autonomic Society (AAS) and the European Academy of Neurology (EAN). Clin Auton Res 2021; 31:369-384. [PMID: 33740206 PMCID: PMC8184725 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-020-00738-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
An expert committee was formed to reach consensus on the use of tilt table testing (TTT) in the diagnosis of disorders that may cause transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) and to outline when other provocative cardiovascular autonomic tests are needed. While TTT adds to history taking, it cannot be a substitute for it. An abnormal TTT result is most meaningful if the provoked event is recognised by patients or eyewitnesses as similar to spontaneous events. The minimum requirements to perform TTT are a tilt table, a continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure monitor, at least one ECG lead, protocols for the indications stated below and trained staff. This basic equipment lends itself to the performance of (1) additional provocation tests, such as the active standing test, carotid sinus massage and autonomic function tests; (2) additional measurements, such as video, EEG, transcranial Doppler, NIRS, end-tidal CO2 or neuro-endocrine tests; and (3) tailor-made provocation procedures in those with a specific and consistent trigger of TLOC. TTT and other provocative cardiovascular autonomic tests are indicated if the initial evaluation does not yield a definite or highly likely diagnosis, but raises a suspicion of (1) reflex syncope, (2) the three forms of orthostatic hypotension (OH), i.e. initial, classic and delayed OH, as well as delayed orthostatic blood pressure recovery, (3) postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or (4) psychogenic pseudosyncope. A therapeutic indication for TTT is to teach patients with reflex syncope and OH to recognise hypotensive symptoms and to perform physical counter manoeuvres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland D Thijs
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands.
| | - Michele Brignole
- Faint and Fall Programme, Department of Cardiology, Ospedale San Luca, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Cardiology and Arrhythmologic Centre, Ospedali del Tigullio, 16033, Lavagna, Italy
| | - Cristian Falup-Pecurariu
- Department of Neurology, County Emergency Clinic Hospital, Transilvania University, Brasov, Romania
| | | | - Roy Freeman
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pietro Guaraldi
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jens Jordan
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany.,Chair of Aerospace Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,University Hypertension Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mario Habek
- Referral Center for Autonomic Nervous System, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University Hospital Center Zagreb, University of Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Max Hilz
- Department of Neurology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne Pavy-Le Traon
- Neurology Department, French Reference Center for MSA, University Hospital of Toulouse and INSERM U 1048, Toulouse, France
| | - Iva Stankovic
- Clinical Center of Serbia, Neurology Clinic, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Walter Struhal
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Tulln, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Tulln, Austria
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Ducane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Gregor Wenning
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - J Gert Van Dijk
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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13
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Villafane J, Miller JR, Glickstein J, Johnson JN, Wagner J, Snyder CS, Filina T, Pomeroy SL, Sexson-Tejtel SK, Haxel C, Gottlieb J, Eghtesady P, Chowdhury D. Loss of Consciousness in the Young Child. Pediatr Cardiol 2021; 42:234-254. [PMID: 33388850 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-020-02498-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In the very young child (less than eight years of age), transient loss of consciousness represents a diagnostic and management dilemma for clinicians. While most commonly benign, syncope may be due to cardiac dysfunction which can be life-threatening. It can be secondary to an underlying ion channelopathy, cardiac inflammation, cardiac ischemia, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, or pulmonary hypertension. Patients with genetic disorders require careful evaluation for a cardiac cause of syncope. Among the noncardiac causes, vasovagal syncope is the most common etiology. Breath-holding spells are commonly seen in this age group. Other causes of transient loss of consciousness include seizures, neurovascular pathology, head trauma, psychogenic pseudosyncope, and factitious disorder imposed on another and other forms of child abuse. A detailed social, present, past medical, and family medical history is important when evaluating loss of consciousness in the very young. Concerning characteristics of syncope include lack of prodromal symptoms, no preceding postural changes or occurring in a supine position, after exertion or a loud noise. A family history of sudden unexplained death, ion channelopathy, cardiomyopathy, or congenital deafness merits further evaluation. Due to inherent challenges in diagnosis at this age, often there is a lower threshold for referral to a specialist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Villafane
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, 743 East Broadway, Suite 300, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
| | - Jacob R Miller
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Julie Glickstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan N Johnson
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jonathan Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Chris S Snyder
- Congenital Heart Collaborative, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tatiana Filina
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott L Pomeroy
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Caitlin Haxel
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Pirooz Eghtesady
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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14
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Cheshire WP, Freeman R, Gibbons CH, Cortelli P, Wenning GK, Hilz MJ, Spies JM, Lipp A, Sandroni P, Wada N, Mano A, Ah Kim H, Kimpinski K, Iodice V, Idiáquez J, Thaisetthawatkul P, Coon EA, Low PA, Singer W. Electrodiagnostic assessment of the autonomic nervous system: A consensus statement endorsed by the American Autonomic Society, American Academy of Neurology, and the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 132:666-682. [PMID: 33419664 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of disorders of the autonomic nervous system is both an art and a science, calling upon the physician's most astute clinical skills as well as knowledge of autonomic neurology and physiology. Over the last three decades, the development of noninvasive clinical tests that assess the function of autonomic nerves, the validation and standardization of these tests, and the growth of a large body of literature characterizing test results in patients with autonomic disorders have equipped clinical practice further with a valuable set of objective tools to assist diagnosis and prognosis. This review, based on current evidence, outlines an international expert consensus set of recommendations to guide clinical electrodiagnostic autonomic testing. Grading and localization of autonomic deficits incorporates scores from sympathetic cardiovascular adrenergic, parasympathetic cardiovagal, and sudomotor testing, as no single test alone is sufficient to diagnose the degree or distribution of autonomic failure. The composite autonomic severity score (CASS) is a useful score of autonomic failure that is normalized for age and gender. Valid indications for autonomic testing include generalized autonomic failure, regional or selective system syndromes of autonomic impairment, peripheral autonomic neuropathy and ganglionopathy, small fiber neuropathy, orthostatic hypotension, orthostatic intolerance, syncope, neurodegenerative disorders, autonomic hyperactivity, and anhidrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P Cheshire
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA
| | - Roy Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215-5400, USA
| | - Christopher H Gibbons
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215-5400, USA
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- DIBINEM - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto di Scienze Neurologiche, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gregor K Wenning
- Section of Clinical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Max J Hilz
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Judith M Spies
- Department of Neurology, Level 8 East, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Axel Lipp
- Park-Klinik Weißensee, Schönstraße 80, Berlin 13086, Germany
| | - Paola Sandroni
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Naoki Wada
- Department of Renal and Urologic Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, 2-1-1-1 Midorigaoka Higashi, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan
| | - Akiko Mano
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, 35-2 Sakae-Cho Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Hyun Ah Kim
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, 2800 Dalgubeol Daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Kurt Kimpinski
- School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada; Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valeria Iodice
- Autonomic Unit, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, Division of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neurology, University College London, WC1N 3BG London, United Kingdom
| | - Juan Idiáquez
- Department of Neurologia, Facultad de Medicina, University of Valparaíso, 7 Norte 1122, Valparaíso, 2531094, Chile
| | - Pariwat Thaisetthawatkul
- Department of Neurological Sciences, 988435 University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-8435, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Coon
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Phillip A Low
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
| | - Wolfgang Singer
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
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15
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Alciati A, Shiffer D, Dipaola F, Barbic F, Furlan R. Psychogenic Pseudosyncope: Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Management. J Atr Fibrillation 2020; 13:2399. [PMID: 33024500 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.2399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Psychogenic Pseudosyncope (PPS) is the appearance of Transient Loss of Consciousness (TLOC) in which movements are absent, but there are no hemodynamic and electroencephalographic modifications as are induced by gravitational challenges which characterize syncope and true loss of consciousness. For younger and adult populations, a detailed history is crucial for the diagnosis. Clinical clues that should raise the suspicion for PPS include prolonged duration of the LOC, eye closure during the episode, unusual triggers, no recognizable prodromes and the high frequency of attacks. The presence of an established diagnosis of syncope should not deter from the concomitant diagnosis of PPS. The gold standard for a proper diagnosis of PPS is the documentation by a tilt test of normal hemodynamic and electroencephalographic parameters, when recorded during an attack. Treatment of PPS, based on the clear and empathetic communication of the diagnosis, can lead to an immediate reduction of attack frequency and lower the need to call on emergency services. Pharmacological treatment of associated psychiatric disorders and psychological interventions may be beneficial in patients with PPS. Cognitive-behavioural therapy holds the most reliable evidence of efficacy. In the present review, we aimed to address PPS with historical aspects, main clinical features and diagnostic tests, current diagnostic classification, underlying neurobiological abnormalities, management and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Alciati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hermanas Hospitalarias, Villa S. Benedetto Menni Hospital, Albese con Cassano (CO), Italy
| | - Dana Shiffer
- Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Franca Dipaola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Franca Barbic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaello Furlan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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16
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Claffey P, Pérez-Denia L, Rivasi G, Finucane C, Kenny RA. Near-infrared spectroscopy in evaluating psychogenic pseudosyncope-a novel diagnostic approach. QJM 2020; 113:239-244. [PMID: 31596496 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcz257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS), a conversion disorder and syncope mimic, accounts for a large proportion of 'unexplained syncope'. PPS is diagnosed by reproduction of patients' symptoms during head-up tilt (HUT). Electroencephalogram (EEG), a time consuming and resource intensive technology, is used during HUT to demonstrate absence of cerebral hypoperfusion during transient loss of consciousness (TLOC). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a simple, non-invasive technology for continuous monitoring of cerebral perfusion. We present a series of patients for whom PPS diagnosis was supported by NIRS during HUT. METHODS Eight consecutive patients with suspected PPS referred to a syncope unit underwent evaluation. During HUT, continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and NIRS-derived tissue saturation index (TSI) were measured. BP, HR and TSI at baseline, time of first symptom, presyncope and apparent TLOC were measured. Patients were given feedback and followed for symptom recurrence. RESULTS Eight predominantly female patients (6/8, 75%) aged 31 years (16-54) were studied with (5/8, 63%) having comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, and (5/8, 63%) presenting with frequent episodes of prolonged TLOC with eyes closed (6/8, 75%). All patients experienced reproduction of typical events during HUT. Systolic BP (mmHg) increased from baseline (129.7 (interquartile range [IQR] 124.9-133.4)) at TLOC (153.0 (IQR 146.7-159.0)) (P-value = 0.012). HR (bpm) increased from baseline 78 (IQR 68.6-90.0) to 115.7 (IQR 93.5-127.9) (P-value = 0.012). TSI (%) remained stable throughout, 71.4 (IQR 67.5-72.9) at baseline vs. 71.0 (IQR 68.2-73.0) at TLOC (P-value = 0.484). CONCLUSIONS NIRS provides a non-invasive surrogate of cerebral perfusion during HUT. We propose HUT incorporating NIRS monitoring in the diagnostic algorithm for patients with suspected PPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Claffey
- Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Falls and Syncope Unit, Dublin, Ireland
| | - L Pérez-Denia
- Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Falls and Syncope Unit, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - G Rivasi
- Syncope Unit, Geriatric Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - C Finucane
- Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Falls and Syncope Unit, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - R A Kenny
- Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Falls and Syncope Unit, Dublin, Ireland
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17
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Zhang Z, Jiang X, Han L, Chen S, Tao L, Tao C, Tian H, Du J. Differential Diagnostic Models Between Vasovagal Syncope and Psychogenic Pseudosyncope in Children. Front Neurol 2020; 10:1392. [PMID: 32038462 PMCID: PMC6989585 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: We aimed to establish useful models for the clinical differential diagnosis between vasovagal syncope (VVS) and psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS). Methods: This bicentric study included 176 patients (150 VVS and 26 PPS cases) for model development. Based on the results of univariate and multivariate analyses, a logistic regression model and a scoring model were established and their abilities to differentiate VVS from PPS were tested. Another 78 patients (53 VVS and 25 PPS) were used for external validation. Results: In the logistic regression model, the outcome indicated that the QT-dispersion (QTd) (P < 0.001), syncope duration (P < 0.001), and upright posture (P < 0.001) acted as independent factors for the differentiation of VVS from PPS, which generated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.892. A cutoff value of 0.234 yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 89.3 and 80.8%, respectively, for the differentiation between VVS and PPS in the logistic regression model. In the scoring model which consists of three variables, a cutoff score of three points yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 91.3 and 76.9%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.909. The external validation test indicated that the negative and positive predictive values of the scoring model were 78.8 and 91.7%, respectively, and the accuracy was 80.8%. Conclusion: The scoring model consisting of three variables is an easy-to-perform, inexpensive, and non-invasive measure for initial differential diagnosis between VVS and PPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhening Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Syncope and Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xingyuan Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Syncope and Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Han
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Selena Chen
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ling Tao
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Tao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Syncope and Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Tian
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junbao Du
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Syncope and Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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18
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Atypical Prodromal Symptoms Help to Distinguish Patients With Psychogenic Nonsyncopal Collapse Among Youth Referred for Fainting. Pediatr Neurol 2019; 95:67-72. [PMID: 30922770 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distinguishing patients with psychogenic nonsyncopal collapse (PNSC), a conversion disorder that resembles syncope, can pose a difficult clinical challenge. Using the open-ended question "what does it feel like to faint?," the present study aimed to characterize how patients with PNSC perceive and communicate the prodromal symptoms associated with their attacks by comparing narratives between patients with PNSC and those with syncope. METHODS During a 42-month database-type study of tilt-table diagnoses, all patients with a history of fainting were asked the open-ended question. Symptom descriptions were compared, qualitatively and quantitatively, between patients with PNSC and those with tilt-induced syncope (n = 121 in both cohorts). RESULTS Twenty-nine patients (24%) diagnosed with PNSC and eight (6.6%) diagnosed with syncope either denied having any prodromal symptoms or could not recall any symptoms (P < 0.001). Among patients who reported prodromal symptoms, patient narratives led to the formation of 26 symptom categories. Symptom frequencies differed between cohorts in 19 of the symptom categories (each P value <0.05). Qualitative differences in the descriptions of symptoms were often present, even when symptom frequencies did not differ. More patients with PNSC described atypical symptoms than patients with syncope, 54 of 92 (58.7%) versus eight of 113 (7.1%), P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS Symptom narratives can help to distinguish patients with PNSC from those with syncope. The use of a single, open-ended question as a screening tool for conversion disorder has immediate clinical relevance because it can be instituted easily in a busy clinical setting.
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19
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Reuber M. Dissociative (non-epileptic) seizures: tackling common challenges after the diagnosis. Pract Neurol 2019; 19:332-341. [DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2018-002177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Dissociative (non-epileptic) seizures are one of the three major causes of transient loss of consciousness. As such, their treatment cannot be left to superspecialised experts. In this article I draw on personal experience to suggest ways to tackle some challenges that commonly arise after diagnosing dissociative seizures, focusing on three issues: “I want to know what is wrong with me,” “I hear what you are saying but it doesn’t apply to me” and “What if I have a seizure?” The suggestions detail both actions and words that may help at a crucial point in the patient’s journey. If handled well, the process can leave the patient better equipped to understand their seizures and to engage in further treatment; if handled badly, patients may be left more traumatised, angry and with additional disability.
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Arribas F, Barón-Esquivias G, Coll Vinent B, Rodríguez Entem F, Martínez Alday J, Ángel MB, Núria RG, Jiménez Candil J, Ruiz Granell R, José Miguel O, José Luis M, Peinado R, Moya Á, Díez Villanueva P, Bonanad C, García Pardo H, Toquero J, Atienza F, Beiras X, Alfonso F, Ibáñez B, Arribas F, Berga Congost G, Bueno H, Evangelista A, Ferreira-González I, Manuel JN, Marín F, Leopoldo PDI, Sambola A, Vázquez García R, Viana Tejedor A. Comentarios a la guía ESC 2018 sobre el diagnóstico y el tratamiento del síncope. Rev Esp Cardiol (Engl Ed) 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.recesp.2018.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Arribas F, Barón-Esquivias G, Coll Vinent B, Rodríguez Entem F, Martínez Alday J, Martínez Brotons Á, Rivas Gándara N, Jiménez Candil J, Ruiz Granell R, Miguel Ormaetxe J, Merino JL, Peinado R, Moya Á, Díez Villanueva P, Bonanad C, García Pardo H, Toquero J, Atienza F, Beiras X, Alfonso F, Ibáñez B, Arribas F, Berga Congost G, Bueno H, Evangelista A, Ferreira-González I, Jiménez Navarro M, Marín F, Pérez de la Isla L, Sambola A, Vázquez García R, Viana-Tejedor A. Comments on the 2018 ESC Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Syncope. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH ED.) 2018; 71:787-793. [PMID: 30243611 DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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Heyer GL, Pabst LM, Kaucic BN, Coley TA. Early outcomes in youth with psychogenic nonsyncopal collapse. Neurology 2018; 91:e850-e858. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000006098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate several early outcome measures following diagnosis of psychogenic nonsyncopal collapse (PNSC).MethodsOver a 34-month period, a prospective cohort study was conducted of patients referred for tilt-table evaluation of fainting and orthostatic intolerance. Clinical histories were obtained and anxiety and depressive symptom questionnaires were completed prior to testing. Among 539 patients referred, 100 (18.6%) were diagnosed with PNSC. Outcome data were collected by telephone or during routine follow-up a median of 572 days postdiagnosis.ResultsEighty-four patients (84%) provided outcome data. Following communication of the diagnosis, 32 patients (38%) had immediate PNSC resolution. Attack resolution occurred in 44% by 1 month, 51% by 6 months, 52% by 12 months, 69% after 12 months, and 31% continued to have PNSC at the time of follow-up. Patients with continued PNSC had higher anxiety scores than patients with immediate resolution (p = 0.047). Following diagnosis, emergency department visits for fainting decreased from 78.6% to 20.2% (p = 0.017), and management by psychology or psychiatry increased from 26.2% to 76.2% (p < 0.001). During the follow-up period, 8 patients (9.5%) were hospitalized for suicidal ideation, a median of 253 (range 33–470) days postdiagnosis; 12 patients (14.3%) developed new (non-PNSC) conversion disorders, a median of 86 (range 9–504) days postdiagnosis. Suicidal ideation was associated with higher anxiety (p = 0.007) but not higher depression scores.ConclusionsThe diagnostic rate of PNSC parallels that of PNES among patients referred for tertiary care evaluations. The improvements in attack frequency following PNSC diagnosis must be tempered by the potential risks of self-harm and the development of new conversion disorders.
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Brignole M, Moya A, de Lange FJ, Deharo JC, Elliott PM, Fanciulli A, Fedorowski A, Furlan R, Kenny RA, Martín A, Probst V, Reed MJ, Rice CP, Sutton R, Ungar A, van Dijk JG. 2018 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of syncope. Eur Heart J 2018; 39:1883-1948. [PMID: 29562304 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 955] [Impact Index Per Article: 159.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Heyer GL. Youth With Psychogenic Non-Syncopal Collapse Have More Somatic and Psychiatric Symptoms and Lower Perceptions of Peer Relationships Than Youth With Syncope. Pediatr Neurol 2018; 79:34-39. [PMID: 29241946 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about somatic and psychiatric symptoms and perceived peer relationships of patients with psychogenic nonsyncopal collapse. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare somatic and psychiatric symptoms and other elements potentially related to functional neurological symptom disorders between youth with psychogenic nonsyncopal collapse and those with neurally mediated syncope. METHODS Before testing, patients completed a structured interview and questionnaire addressing current symptoms, previous psychiatric diagnoses, referrals, diagnostic testing, prescribed medications, and patient self-ratings of anxiety, depression, and perceived peer relationships. RESULTS Compared with patients with syncope (n = 60), patients with psychogenic nonsyncopal collapse (n = 60) had higher ratings for lightheadedness and vertigo, more abdominal pain, more chronic headaches, more fatigue, more sleep disturbances, more prescriptions for antidepressant medicines, more encephalograms performed, more referrals to psychiatry, and more psychiatric diagnoses including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, previous nonfainting conversion disorders, and eating disorders (all p < 0.05). Patients with psychogenic nonsyncopal collapse rated their anxiety (10.5 ± 7.7 versus 5.9 ± 5.8, p < 0.001) and depression (8.7 ± 8.3 versus 3.1 ± 5, p < 0.001) symptoms higher and their peer relationships (37 ± 12.3 versus 47.6 ± 7.9, p < 0.001) lower than patients with syncope. Peer relationships remained significantly lower (p = 0.001) when analyzed with anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION Patients with psychogenic nonsyncopal collapse have more symptom complaints and perceptions of poorer peer social interactions than patients with syncope. These results broaden our understanding of the biopsychosocial profile that increases an individual's vulnerability to psychogenic nonsyncopal collapse specifically and to functional neurological symptom disorders in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey L Heyer
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital and Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
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Coleman DK, Long B, Koyfman A. Clinical Mimics: An Emergency Medicine-Focused Review of Syncope Mimics. J Emerg Med 2017; 54:81-89. [PMID: 29110977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syncope is an event that causes a transient loss of consciousness (LOC) secondary to global cerebral hypoperfusion. The transient nature of the event can make diagnosis in the emergency department (ED) difficult, as symptoms have often resolved by time of initial presentation. The symptoms and presentation of syncope are similar to many other conditions, which can lead to difficulty in establishing a diagnosis in the ED. OBJECTIVE This review evaluates patients presenting with a history concerning for possible syncope, mimics of syncope, and approach to managing syncope mimics. DISCUSSION Syncope is caused by transient LOC secondary to global cerebral hypoperfusion. Many conditions can present similarly to syncope, making diagnosis in the ED difficult. Some of the most emergent conditions include seizures, stroke, metabolic disorders, and head trauma. Other nonemergent conditions include cataplexy, pseudosyncope, or deconditioning. Many laboratory studies and imaging can be nondiagnostic during ED evaluation. For patients presenting with apparent syncope, immediate treatment should focus on identifying and treating life-threatening conditions. History and physical examination can help guide further diagnostic evaluation and management. CONCLUSIONS Patients with apparent syncope should be evaluated for potential immediate life-threatening conditions. A thorough history and physical examination can aid in distinguishing syncope from common mimics and help identify and subsequently treat life-threatening conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana K Coleman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Brit Long
- Department of Emergency Medicine, San Antonio Military Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Alex Koyfman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Heyer GL, Harvey RA, Islam MP. Comparison of Specific Fainting Characteristics Between Youth With Tilt-Induced Psychogenic Nonsyncopal Collapse Versus Reflex Syncope. Am J Cardiol 2017; 119:1116-1120. [PMID: 28236458 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2016.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the predictive features of psychogenic nonsyncopal collapse (PNSC). The aim of the present study was to compare the self-reported fainting characteristics between young patients who were ultimately diagnosed with PNSC with those ultimately diagnosed with neurally mediated syncope and to determine which features were predictive of either diagnosis. A prospective study was conducted of sequential patients referred for fainting. All study data were obtained before testing or diagnosis. Several fainting characteristics were compared between cohorts including numbers of lifetime fainting episodes, fainting frequency the week before evaluation, fainting duration, numbers of fainting spells in a single day, presence of presyncope, types of prodromal symptoms, tearfulness with fainting, and the numbers of emergency department visits and hospital admission for fainting. During the study period, 52 patients were diagnosed with PNSC, producing a diagnostic rate of 18.9%. In univariate analyses, multiple features differed between patients with PNSC and those with syncope. After controlling for age and gender in a multivariate analysis, each of the following predicted PNSC: ≥20 lifetime fainting spells (p = 0.005), ≥2 fainting spells in a single day (p = 0.03), self-reported loss of consciousness ≥2 minutes (p = 0.01), and tearfulness associated with fainting (p = 0.022). Two or more typical prodromal symptoms (p = 0.004) predicted syncope. In conclusion, several characteristics related to fainting have predictive value in distinguishing PNSC from syncope, particularly among youth. Assessing these clinical features can help to inform appropriate testing and accurate diagnosis among patients who faint.
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Robinson JA, Shivapour JK, Snyder CS. Tilt table testing to diagnose pseudosyncope in the pediatric population. CONGENIT HEART DIS 2017; 12:411-416. [PMID: 28240408 DOI: 10.1111/chd.12458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pseudosyncope can be difficult to distinguish from true syncope. Often, pediatric patients with pseudosyncope undergo multiple tests and referrals before the appropriate diagnosis is reached. The purpose is to describe the utility of the head-up tilt table test to elicit the diagnosis of pseudosyncope in the pediatric population. DESIGN Retrospective chart review from November 2012 to December 2015 of patients age ≤23 years referred for 30-minute, 80-degree tilt table test. Pretest probability for pseudosyncope was high if there was no response to traditional management, atypical episodes, occurrence during undesirable exercise, or prolonged episode duration. Inductive techniques were utilized to persuade patients of the likelihood of experiencing an episode during the procedure. Pseudosyncope was confirmed when a patient had normal vital signs during their event and had reflex responses to disruptive maneuvers. RESULTS Tilt table testing was performed on 89 patients [median age 16 years (5-23); 26% male] with the majority (60%) being negative for pseudosyncope, including 51 true negatives and 2 false-negatives. Of the 36 patients with syncope during tilt table testing, 28 were diagnosed with vasovagal syncope and 8 with pseudosyncope [median age 16 years (15-21); 38% male]. Pseudosyncope episodes were observed immediately in 2 patients. All patients with late-onset pseudosyncope required inductive techniques prior to the recorded episode. CONCLUSIONS Pseudosyncope can be identified during tilt table testing if inductive techniques are utilized in patients with a high index of suspicion. Disruptive maneuvers are excellent adjunctive methods to confirm the diagnosis. Tilt table testing is an effective means to identify pseudosyncope and allow appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Robinson
- The Congenital Heart Collaborative, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jill K Shivapour
- The Congenital Heart Collaborative, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Christopher S Snyder
- The Congenital Heart Collaborative, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Madan N, Carvalho KS. Neurological Complications of Cardiac Disease. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2017; 24:3-13. [PMID: 28779863 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This article focuses on the complex interactions between the cardiovascular and neurologic systems. Initially, we focus on neurological complications in children with congenital heart disease both secondary to the underlying cardiac disease and complications of interventions. We later discuss diagnosis and management of common syncope syndromes with emphasis on vasovagal syncope. We also review the diagnosis, classification, and management of children and adolescents with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Lastly, we discuss long QT syndrome and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), reviewing advances in genetics and current knowledge of pathophysiology of these conditions. This article attempts to provide an overview of these disorders with focus on pathophysiology, advances in molecular genetics, and current medical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Madan
- From the Section of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Karen S Carvalho
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
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Saal DP, Overdijk MJ, Thijs RD, van Vliet IM, van Dijk JG. Long-term follow-up of psychogenic pseudosyncope. Neurology 2016; 87:2214-2219. [PMID: 27784771 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000003361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the outcome of patients with psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS) after communication of the diagnosis. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with PPS referred in 2007 to 2015 to a tertiary referral center for syncope. We reviewed patient records and studied attack frequency, factors affecting attack frequency, health care use, and quality of life using a questionnaire. We explored influences on attack freedom and attack frequency in the 6 months before follow-up for age, sex, education level, duration until diagnosis, probability of diagnosis, additional syncope, and acceptance of diagnosis. RESULTS Forty-seven of 57 patients with PPS could be traced, of whom 35 (74%) participated. Twelve (34%) were attack-free for at least 6 months. The median time from diagnosis to follow-up was 50 months (range 6-103 months). Communicating and explaining the diagnosis resulted in immediate reduction of attack frequency (p = 0.007) from the month before diagnosis (median one attack, range 0-156) to the month after (median one attack, range 0-16). In the 6 months before follow-up, the number of admissions decreased from 19 of 35 to 0 of 35 (p = 0.002). The use of somatic and mental health care shifted toward the latter (p < 0.0001). Quality of life at follow-up (Short Form Health Survey 36) showed lower scores for 7 of 8 domains compared to matched Dutch control values; quality of life was not influenced by attack freedom. CONCLUSIONS After communication of the diagnosis in PPS, attack frequency decreased and health care use shifted toward mental care. Low quality of life underlines that PPS is a serious condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk P Saal
- From the Departments of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology (D.P.S., J.G.v.D.) and Psychiatry (I.M.v.V.), Leiden University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (M.J.O.), Medical Center Haaglanden, The Hague; and Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (R.D.T.), Heemstede, the Netherlands
| | - M Jolein Overdijk
- From the Departments of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology (D.P.S., J.G.v.D.) and Psychiatry (I.M.v.V.), Leiden University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (M.J.O.), Medical Center Haaglanden, The Hague; and Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (R.D.T.), Heemstede, the Netherlands
| | - Roland D Thijs
- From the Departments of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology (D.P.S., J.G.v.D.) and Psychiatry (I.M.v.V.), Leiden University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (M.J.O.), Medical Center Haaglanden, The Hague; and Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (R.D.T.), Heemstede, the Netherlands
| | - Irene M van Vliet
- From the Departments of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology (D.P.S., J.G.v.D.) and Psychiatry (I.M.v.V.), Leiden University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (M.J.O.), Medical Center Haaglanden, The Hague; and Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (R.D.T.), Heemstede, the Netherlands
| | - J Gert van Dijk
- From the Departments of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology (D.P.S., J.G.v.D.) and Psychiatry (I.M.v.V.), Leiden University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (M.J.O.), Medical Center Haaglanden, The Hague; and Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (R.D.T.), Heemstede, the Netherlands.
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Blad H, Lamberts RJ, van Dijk GJ, Thijs RD. Tilt-induced vasovagal syncope and psychogenic pseudosyncope: Overlapping clinical entities. Neurology 2015; 85:2006-10. [PMID: 26561288 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the combination of tilt-induced vasovagal syncope (VVS) and psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS) and aid its clinical recognition. METHODS We identified people with tilt-induced VVS/PPS from 2 tertiary syncope referral centers. For each case, 3 controls with tilt-induced VVS were selected at random from the same center. Clinical characteristics were compared between both groups adjusting for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Of 1,164 tilt-table tests, 23 (2%) resulted in VVS/PPS; these 23 cases were compared with 69 VVS controls. VVS and PPS coincided more often than chance would predict: 2% vs 0.6%, p < 0.001. Typical VVS prodromes and triggers were reported in all people with VVS/PPS and in controls with VVS. Attack frequency was significantly higher in the VVS/PPS (2 per month, range 0.1-60) than in the VVS group (0.25 per month, range 0.02-4; p < 0.001). Delayed recovery of consciousness was more frequently reported in the VVS/PPS group (likelihood ratio [+LR] 8.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.94-16.84), as well as episodes without prodromes (+LR 5.57, 95% CI 2.53-12.26), atypical triggers (+LR 5.00, 95% CI 2.04-12.24), eye closure (+LR 3.75, 95% CI 1.68-8.35), and apparent loss of consciousness >1 minute (+LR 2.86, 95% CI 1.98-4.13). CONCLUSIONS VVS/PPS presents with a complex phenotype. High attack frequency, delayed recovery of consciousness, apparent loss of consciousness >1 minute, ictal eye closure, atypical triggers, and the absence of prodromes may serve as indicators that PPS coincides with VVS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Blad
- From Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (H.B., R.J.L., R.D.T.), Heemstede; and the Department of Neurology (J.G.v.D., R.D.T.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Jan Lamberts
- From Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (H.B., R.J.L., R.D.T.), Heemstede; and the Department of Neurology (J.G.v.D., R.D.T.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Gert J van Dijk
- From Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (H.B., R.J.L., R.D.T.), Heemstede; and the Department of Neurology (J.G.v.D., R.D.T.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Roland D Thijs
- From Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (H.B., R.J.L., R.D.T.), Heemstede; and the Department of Neurology (J.G.v.D., R.D.T.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands.
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Wilson JE, Shuster J, Rowe AA, Fleisch SB, Wilson A, Nicolson SE. Identifying and Addressing the Hidden Reasons Why Patients Refuse Discharge From the Hospital. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2015; 57:18-24. [PMID: 26791512 DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2015.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consultation-liaison psychiatrists are often asked to evaluate patients who refuse discharge from a medical facility. Literature to guide clinicians on the management of these patients is very limited. OBJECTIVE This article seeks to explain this phenomenon through a case series, provide a differential diagnosis of patients who request to stay in the hospital, as well as provide clinicians with direction in the management of these difficult situations. METHODS We discuss a case series of 3 patients treated at a large academic medical center, who refused discharge, discuss potential differential diagnoses, and provide management recommendations to guide clinicians. DISCUSSION Providing care for a patient who refuses discharge can present several dilemmas for the treatment provider. Additionally, patients who refuse discharge may face emotional, physical, and financial costs secondary to continued unnecessary medical hospitalization. A variety of psychiatric conditions may contribute to a patient׳s desire to stay in the hospital. CONCLUSIONS Patients who refuse medical discharge can present unique challenges for hospital-based medical providers as well as consultation psychiatrists who care for these patients. Careful consideration of diagnostic etiologies as well as coordination of care across the treatment team may be required to manage these unique and challenging cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Ellen Wilson
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
| | - John Shuster
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Ama A Rowe
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Sheryl B Fleisch
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Amanda Wilson
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Stephen E Nicolson
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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Mereu R, Sau A, Lim PB. Diagnostic algorithm for syncope. Auton Neurosci 2014; 184:10-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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