Tilt Table Testing

Author/s: 
Chesire, W.P., Dudenkov, D.V., Munipalli, B.
Date Added: 
April 23, 2024
Journal/Publication: 
JAMA
Publisher: 
JAMA
Publication Date: 
April 11, 2024
Type: 
Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines
Format: 
Article
DOI (1): 
10.1001/jama.2024.0004
PMID (1): 
38602671

RPR Commentary

A summary and example of how to use tilt table testing in patients with syncope and various other fairly common symptoms. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

Abstract

A 43-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of recurring symptoms of sudden onset of fatigue, palpitations, dyspnea, chest pain, lightheadedness, and nausea that were associated with standing and resolved with sitting. These symptoms began 1 month after mild COVID-19 infection. At presentation, while supine, blood pressure (BP) was 123/70 mm Hg and heart rate (HR) was 90/min; while seated, BP was 120/80 and HR was 93/min; after standing for 1 minute, BP was 124/80 and HR was 119/min. Physical examination results were normal. Oxygen saturation was 98% at rest while breathing room air. She had no oxygen desaturation during a 6-minute walk test but walked only 282 m (45% predicted). Complete blood cell count, morning cortisol, and thyrotropin blood levels were normal. Electrocardiogram (ECG), chest computed tomography, pulmonary function testing, methacholine challenge, bronchoscopy, echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization findings were normal. During tilt table testing, the patient experienced lightheadedness and nausea when moved from horizontal to the upright position. Results of the tilt table test are shown in the Table and Figure.

Text Availability

Commercial full text (fees may apply)