Evaluation of Cases of Syncope with Head- Up Tilt Test (HUTT)

Evaluation of Cases of Syncope with Head- Up Tilt Test

Abstract

Background: Autonomic dysfunction can be evaluated by using a tilt table to stand a patient at 70 degree for 45 minutes. HUTT has gained widespread acceptance as the preferred approach for evaluating cases of Reflex (neutrally mediated) syncope and can be performed safely on an OPD basis. In our study we have used HUTT for evaluating 79 patients of recurrent or single syncope with normal ECG,ECHO, Holter study, EEG and MRI brain. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted at OPD basis at a single centre. In our study we have used HUTT for evaluating the patients of single or recurrent syncope in a high risk patient who have normal ECG, ECHO, Holter study, EEG and MRI brain. End point of the test was to observe the symptom of giddiness/nausea/vomiting/diaphoresis/flushing. Results: Total number of patients enrolled in the study group in last 09 years (from June 2009 to May 2018) was 79. In our study, the male patients outnumbered the females patients (63 vs 16 i.e.80% vs 20%).  The age group 21 30 years constituted around 29% (23 patients) of the total syncope patients followed by 20% (16 patients) in the age group of 31-40 years. Age of the youngest and the oldest patient in the study group was 09 years and 82 years respectively. Among the patients, 36 were positive to HUTT and 43 were negative. Conclusion: This study conclude that HUTT is an important diagnostic tool in vasovagal syncope though the predictive value of HUTT is not 100%.