# Use of an Implantable Loop Recorder in Facilitating the Differential Diagnosis of Isolated Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Case Report

**Authors:** Kosuke Katano, Yuriko Sato, Taisuke Mizumura, Satoru Arai, Yoichi Sugimura

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.80444 · Cureus · 2025-03-11

## TL;DR

A 34-year-old man with syncope was diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis using an implantable loop recorder, which helped confirm the cause and guide treatment.

## Contribution

This case report demonstrates the utility of implantable loop recorders in diagnosing isolated cardiac sarcoidosis.

## Key findings

- Implantable loop recorder confirmed paroxysmal atrioventricular block in a patient with syncope.
- Steroid therapy was effective in managing inflammation after pacemaker implantation.
- The case highlights the role of implantable loop recorders in diagnosing syncope of unknown origin.

## Abstract

Cardiac sarcoidosis is a relatively rare disease that can lead to arrhythmia or sudden death. Herein, we report a case of isolated cardiac sarcoidosis presenting as syncope with a paroxysmal atrioventricular block in a 34-year-old man. After reviewing the results of standard cardiac testing, we administered an implantable loop recorder, which confirmed paroxysmal atrioventricular block. Based on the information gathered from the loop recorder and subsequent testing, the patient underwent pacemaker implantation. After implantation, the ventricular thresholds rapidly increased due to the spread of inflammation related to cardiac sarcoidosis. Steroid therapy was initiated and subsequently weaned per protocol. An implantable loop recorder is commonly used to investigate the cause of unknown syncope. This modality can facilitate the identification of both the cause and the underlying disease, allowing for relatively early intervention. This case highlights the usefulness of implantable loop recorders in diagnosing or confirming the causes of syncope of unknown origin suspected to be of a cardiogenic nature.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** cardiac sarcoidosis (MONDO:0001707), atrioventricular block (MONDO:0000465)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** atrioventricular block (MESH:D054537), Cardiac Sarcoidosis (MESH:D012507), syncope (MESH:D013575), sudden death (MESH:D003645), arrhythmia (MESH:D001145), inflammation (MESH:D007249)
- **Chemicals:** Steroid (MESH:D013256)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11986269/full.md

## References

7 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11986269/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11986269