Value of implantable loop recorders in patients with structural or electrical heart disease

In patients with structural heart disease (SHD) or inherited primary arrhythmia syndrome (IPAS), the occurrence of unexplained syncope or palpitations can be worrisome as they are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death. An implantable loop recorder (ILR) can be a useful diagnostic tool. Our purpose was to compare the diagnostic yield, arrhythmia mechanism, and management in patients with SHD, patients with IPAS, and those without heart disease.

Retrospective single-center study in consecutive patients who underwent an ILR implantation.

Between March 2013 and December 2016, a total of 94 patients received an ILR (SHD, n = 20; IPAS, n = 14; no SHD/IPAS, n = 60). The type of symptoms at the time of implantation was similar between groups. During a median follow-up of 10 months, 45% had an ILR-guided diagnosis. Patients with IPAS had a lower diagnostic yield (14%) in comparison to the other groups (no SHD/IPAS 47%, P = 0.03; SHD 60%, P = 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, patients with SHD had a higher incidence of nonsustained VT in comparison to patients without SHD/IPAS (30 versus 3%, P < 0.01). ILR-guided therapy was comparable between groups. In the SHD group, a high proportion (10%) received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; however, this was not statistically significantly higher than the other groups (no SHD/IPAS 3%, IPAS 0%, P = 0.08).

In comparison to patients without heart disease, the diagnostic yield of an ILR was lower in patients with IPAS and the prevalence of ILR-diagnosed nonsustained VT was higher in patients with SHD.