Maurice Tiotsop, Douni Roger, Renguh Sama, Eesha Ande, Joshua Salabei
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is defined by a sustained heart rate increment upon upright posture without orthostatic hypotension. Despite established criteria, the condition remains frequently underdiagnosed. This narrative review evaluates diagnostic strategies, test accuracy, diagnostic delay, and misdiagnosis patterns.
Methods: Following prospective registration in PROSPERO (CRD 1248964), 7 databases were searched without date restriction. Eligible studies enrolled individuals aged 12 years or older undergoing evaluation for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and reported diagnostic accuracy, criteria performance, or delay and misdiagnosis data. Dual-reviewer screening and standardized data extraction were performed. Risk of bias was assessed using QUADAS-2 and ROBINS-I. Narrative synthesis followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
Results: In total, 26 studies met inclusion criteria, enrolling more than 30,000 participants across multiple countries. Diagnostic criteria varied in heart rate thresholds, tilt angle, and test duration. Abbreviated 2-min tilt testing missed 55% of confirmed cases (95% confidence interval 48-63%). Active standing tests achieved areas under the curve of 0.855-0.925 with time-of-day-standardized thresholds. Tachycardia mimicking the syndrome occurred in 26-44% of vasovagal syncope patients during tilt. Two large surveys (n = 13,754) documented a median diagnostic delay of 24 months; approximately 75-76% reported prior misdiagnosis, most frequently attributed to psychological or psychiatric conditions.
Conclusions: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome diagnosis is compromised by protocol heterogeneity, abbreviated testing, physiological mimicry, and a pattern of psychiatric misattribution. Standardization of tilt and standing test protocols, clinician education, and structured diagnostic pathways are warranted.
期刊介绍：
Clinical Autonomic Research aims to draw together and disseminate research work from various disciplines and specialties dealing with clinical problems resulting from autonomic dysfunction. Areas to be covered include: cardiovascular system, neurology, diabetes, endocrinology, urology, pain disorders, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, toxicology and clinical pharmacology, skin infectious diseases, renal disease.
This journal is an essential source of new information for everyone working in areas involving the autonomic nervous system. A major feature of Clinical Autonomic Research is its speed of publication coupled with the highest refereeing standards.
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