[Syncope and transient neurologic deficits of undetermined origin. Clinical and electrophysiological correlations]

A consecutive series of 140 patients who presented either with syncope or transient neurological deficit of undertermined cause underwent electrophysiological investigation. The patients were classified in 3 groups: Group I comprising 55 patients having presented "true syncope"; Group II comprising 42 patients with "false vertigo"; and Group III comprising 43 patients in whom a transient neurological deficit had been observed. Globally, the investigations were positive in 58 patients (41,4%). Paroxysmal atrioventricular block was recorded in 21 cases (15%), sinus node dysfunction in 34 cases (2,1%). Permanent pacing was instituted in 57 patients. The correlation between the results of electrophysiological investigation and the clinical symptomatology showed a highly significant difference between Groups I and II where the results were positive in 57% cases, and Groupe III where 93% of the investigations were negative.