The Diagnostic Sensitivity of Electrophysiologic Testing in Patients with Syncope Caused by Transient Bradycardia

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Abstract
Although electrophysiologic testing accurately delineates abnormalities in patients with fixed cardiac-conduction defects, its sensitivity in identifying transient rhythm disturbances is unknown. We prospectively studied 21 patients who had electrocardiographically documented intermittent atrioventricular block (n = 13) or sinus pauses (n = 8) causing syncope, but whose cardiac rhythm had reverted to normal by the time of referral. There were 14 men and 7 women, with a mean age (±SD) of 63±13 years. Fourteen patients had organic heart disease, and 8 were taking cardioactive medications.