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Published on: March 21, 2013
Clinical characteristics of defecation syncope compared with micturition syncope
Kaoru Komatsu1, Masataka Sumiyoshi, Haruhiko Abe
1Department of Cardiology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Summary
Defecation syncope (DS) typically affects older women and lacks a specific daily pattern. Gastrointestinal symptoms may precede DS, unlike alcohol-related syncope.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Defecation syncope (DS) and micturition syncope (MS) are situational, excretion-related syndromes.
- Clinical features of DS and MS appear distinct, necessitating comparative analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the clinical features of defecation syncope (DS).
- To compare DS with micturition syncope (MS).
Main Methods:
- Comparative study of 20 DS patients and 37 MS patients.
- Analysis of patient demographics, syncope timing, triggers, and premonitory symptoms.
- Inclusion of head-up tilt testing results.
Main Results:
- DS patients were older (63±15 vs 52±17 years) and predominantly female (60%) compared to MS patients (70% male).
- DS occurred throughout the 24 hours, unlike MS which predominantly occurred at night (88% between 6 pm-6 am).
- Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) symptoms were more common in DS (55%) than MS (3%), while alcohol triggers were less common in DS (10%) than MS (60%).
Conclusions:
- Defecation syncope (DS) is more prevalent in elderly women.
- DS lacks significant diurnal variation and is less associated with alcohol consumption.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms may serve as important predictors or triggers for DS.
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