When the origin of syncope remains uncertain after the initial evaluation, carotid
sinus massage (CSM) together with the tilt test becomes the method of choice to unmask
neuromediated syncopes. In general, 2 different methods of performing CSM are used.
1
According to 1 method, the massage is performed only in the supine position, for
a short time (usually 5 seconds), and the result is defined as positive if an asystole
≥3 seconds and/or a decrease in systolic blood pressure ≥50 mm Hg are induced The
other method, the “method of symptoms,” involves performing CSM in both the supine
and upright positions for 10 seconds; the test is defined as positive if, during the
massage, the spontaneous symptoms are reproduced in association with cardioinhibition
and/or vasodepression. This study describes results and complications in a large series
of patients undergoing CSM according to the method of symptoms.To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
November 9,
2001
Received in revised form:
November 9,
2001
Received:
July 17,
2001
Identification
Copyright
© 2002 Excerpta Medica Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
