Correlation between vectorcardiographic measures and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging of the left ventricle in an implantable cardioverter defibrillator population

J Electrocardiol. 2014 Jan-Feb;47(1):52-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2013.06.018. Epub 2013 Aug 28.

Abstract

Background: Measures of vectorcardiographic changes and LV remodelling have been associated with arrhythmic risk. However the correlation between the two modalities is not well characterised.

Methods: We correlated spatial QRS-T angle and ventricular gradient with cardiac MRI derived LV global measures and scar pattern in 66 ICD recipients.

Results: Spatial QRS-T angle was significantly larger in patients with ischaemic scar than those without scar (150°±22° vs. 119°±46°, p=0.01). Larger spatial QRS-T angle was also correlated with more depressed LV function, more dilated LV and larger LV mass. Ventricular gradient azimuth was significantly different between patients with no scar, non-ischaemic scar and ischaemic scar (20°±49° vs. 38°±62° vs. 65°±48°, p=0.009), but independent of spatial QRS-T angle and LV structure.

Conclusions: Spatial QRS-T angle and ventricular gradient are partially related to LV structural properties. Further investigation is warranted to examine their comparative and combined prognostic value in risk stratification of ventricular arrhythmias.

Keywords: Arrhythmic risk; Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; Implantable cardioverter defibrillator; LV remodelling; Vectorcardiography.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vectorcardiography / methods*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / diagnosis*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / prevention & control*