Syncope is not uncommon problem that needs broad differential diagnosis. Correct diagnosis of the cause of syncope is important, because although some causes of syncope such as vasodepressor syncope have benign prognosis. Others such as
ventricular
tachycardia may need prompt diagnosis and treatment.
We present a retrospective study of the patients with episodes of syncope brought to Emergency Medical Center of Chung Ang Gil Hospital from January 1994 to October 1994 and the results were as followings.
1. The patients with episodes of syncope accounte for 0.5% of total Emergency Department visits.
2. The male to femle ratio was 4 : 6 and mean age was about 54 years old.
3. The cause of syncope was identifiable in 48% of the case and not in52%, The noncardiac cause(56%) was ore common that the cardiac(44%) and cardiac, noncardiac, SUO(Syncope of Unknown Origin) ratio was 1: 1.4 : 2.6.
4. 29% of patients were dignosed by history taking, physical examination, and electrocardiography when they visited the Emergency Department initially, and 88% of patients with identifiable causes were diagnosed through initial Emergency
Department
investigation and Holter monitioring.
5. The rate of correct diagnosis can be increased if initial investigation includes Holter monitoring, and the further research for more accurate, inexpensive and noninvasive diagnostic method for syncope is needed.
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