Abstract
Syncope is defined as a transient, self-limited loss of consciousness due to insufficient cerebral blood perfusion. In a clinical setting, syncopal events usually present a diagnostic dilemma due to its broad differential diagnosis ranging from banal to potentially harmful causes. In the absence of a working hypothesis, multiple tests are ordered that result in high costs but are of questionable diagnostic and therapeutic value. This article provides a practical overview and, based on international guidelines and selected studies, proposes a standardized approach to patients with syncope. Initial evaluation of these patients includes taking a careful medical history, physical examination and ECG. These tests result in an individual risk assessment that supports decision-making whether further analysis should be performed in an outpatient or inpatient setting. Additional tests including echocardiography, laboratory analysis, cardiac monitoring, CT-scans, are ordered according to prior evaluation. This article reviews the most common diagnostic tests, their indications and the clinical relevance for the evaluation of patients with syncopal events. Therapeutic options are not within the focus of this article.
Mit einer Lebenszeitprävalenz von 30 – 40 % ist die Synkope ein häufiger Grund für die Einlieferung auf eine Notfallstation. Aufgrund der vielfältigen Symptome und sehr breiten Differenzialdiagnose werden oft groß angelegte Abklärungen durchgeführt, die hohe Kosten generieren, aber für die Ursachenfindung unterschiedlich relevant sind. In diesem Übersichtsartikel wird ein praktisches und sinnvolles Vorgehen zu Anamnese und Diagnostik bei Synkopen vorgestellt.
Schlüsselwörter
Synkope - standardisiertes Vorgehen - Erstbeurteilung - Risikostratifikation
Key words
syncope - standardized approach - initial evaluation - risk assessment
