Late potentials, QTc prolongation, and prediction of arrhythmic events after myocardial infarction

Tom J. M. Tobé, Cees D. J. De Langen, Harry J. G. M. Crijns, Ans C. P. Wiesfeld, Wiek H. Van Gilst, Karin G. Faber, Kong I. Lie, Harry Wesseling

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    9 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    In a series of 171 consecutive survivors of acute myocardial infarction, the predictive value of late potentials and QTc prolongation was prospectively assessed. QT intervals were measured in lead V-2, corrected QT (QTc) was calculated using Bazett's equation (cut-off value 440 ms). Late potentials were considered to be present when all of the three signal-averaged electrocardiographic variables were abnormal (i.e. QRS > 114 ms, D-40 > 38 ms, and V-40 <20 mu V). Complete follow-up was obtained (mean 13 +/- 6 months, range 6-24 months). Six percent of the patients had an arrhythmic event (i.e. sustained ventricular tachycardia or sudden death). The relative risk of late potentials for arrhythmic events was 7.7 (P <0.02). The relative risk of QTc > 440 ms was 1.1 (NS). In a multivariate analysis, the addition of QTc prolongation did not significantly improve the prognostic value of late potentials alone. It is concluded that late potentials are predictive of arrhythmic events after myocardial infarction, but the presence of concomitant QTc prolongation does not worsen the prognosis.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)121-128
    Number of pages8
    JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology
    Volume46
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept-1994

    Keywords

    • LATE POTENTIALS
    • QTE PROLONGATION
    • ARRHYTHMIC EVENTS
    • MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
    • SIGNAL-AVERAGED ELECTROCARDIOGRAM
    • VENTRICULAR PREMATURE BEATS
    • TERMINAL QRS COMPLEX
    • SUDDEN-DEATH
    • INTERVAL PROLONGATION
    • AMBULATORY ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS
    • SUPPRESSION TRIAL
    • CARDIAC-ARREST
    • PROGNOSTIC-SIGNIFICANCE
    • CLINICAL-VARIABLES

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