EXERTIONAL SYNCOPE IN ATHLETES - VALUE OF THE TILT TEST WITH INJECTION OF ISOPROTERENOL - REPORT OF A CASE

Athletes who experience syncope during exertion should be investigated for causes of sudden death. Vagal syncope is a diagnosis of exclusion which can be supported by the results of the tilt test. However, sensitivity of the tilt test is low, especially in younger individuals. This limitation can be overcome by injecting isoproterenol during the test. The injection usually elicits the symptoms and produces a decrease in blood pressure. A case is reported and the therapeutic approach to vagal syncope is discussed.