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BACKGROUND Children malnutrition involves simultaneous deficiency of nutrients, leading to cardiac morphological and functional alterations. In this complex condition repolarization abnormalities can evolve. Also sexual dimorphism is a well-established phenomenon, but its influence on ventricular repolarization varies tremendously among races. No data are available about African children, so the aim of our work was to study the correlation between malnourishment and electrocardiographic repolarization parameters, and evaluating the sex influence. METHODS 307 children (mean age 7,6±3 years old) were consecutively enrolled in the north of Madagascar. The QT interval was measured and corrected (QTc) following the Bazett formula (QT/√RR). QT dispersion (QTcd) was defined as the difference between maximum and minimum QTc. Malnutrition was defined in relation to age and sex specific BMI values. Grade mild, moderate and severe were defined as the value to pass through BMI of 16, 17 and 18,5 at the age of 18. RESULTS 126 children (41%) were malnourished, 42 (13%) with mild, 61 (20%) moderate and 23 (7%) with a severe grade. No differences were found between normal weight and malnourished regarding the gender, age, height or heart rate. They had similar QT and QTc intervals (respectively 362,4±36 msec vs 365,1±47 msec for QT, p=0.59 and 476,9±43 msec vs 470±53 msec for QTc, p=0.70). QTcd was statistically higher in malnourished children (53,2±16 msec vs 44,4±15 msec, p

Objective: Electrocardiographic alterations were investigated following the second dosage of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. Methods: A total of 260 individuals after two doses of COVID-19 vaccine with Pfizer-BioNTech were included in the study. The electrocardiographic parameters recorded at baseline and approximately one week later after two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were compared for all patients. Results: PR interval was increased and QTc maximum interval was decreased significantly after second dose COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. Baseline and post-second dose vaccination states regarding P wave dispersion and QT dispersion/Tp-e interval which have been recognized to imply inhomogeneous atrial conduction and heterogeneity in ventricular repolarization were similar between groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that there should be no concern related to asymptomatic involvement of the myocardium subsequent the second dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination., Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, ikinci doz COVID-19 mRNA aşılamasından sonra elektrokardiyografik değişi-klikleri değerlendirmektir. Yöntem: Çalışmaya Pfizer-BioNTech ile iki doz COVID-19 aşısı yapılan toplam 260 hasta dahil edildi. Başlangıçta ve iki doz Pfizer-BioNTech aşısından yaklaşık 1 hafta sonra kaydedilen elektrokardiyo-grafik parametreler tüm hastalar için karşılaştırıldı. Bulgular: İkinci doz COVID-19 mRNA aşılamasından sonra PR aralığı arttı ve QTc maksimum aralığı önemli ölçüde azaldı. Sırasıyla ventriküler repolarizasyonda homojen olmayan atriyal iletimi ve heterojenliği yansıttığı varsayılan P dalgası dispersiyonu ve QT dispersiyonu/Tp-e aralığı ile ilgili olarak başlangıç ve ikinci doz aşılama durumları arasında anlamlı bir fark yoktu. Sonuç: Bulgularımız, ikinci doz COVID-19 mRNA aşılamasından sonra miyokardın asemptomatik tutulumu ile ilgili herhangi bir endişe olmaması gerektiğini düşündürmektedir.

Clinical and experimental electrophysiological studies have shown the importance of inhomogeneous myocardial repolarization in ventricular arrhythmias' genesis. Increased dispersion of repolarisation provides a substrate for ventricular arrhythmias by generating functional unidirectional block areas, thereby predisposing to reentry. QT dispersion, defined as the difference between the longest and the shortest QT interval on the surface ECG, is a validated measure of repolarisation dispersion. QT dispersion predicts sudden death and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with chronic heart failure from coronary heart disease and various cardiac diseases

Introduction. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the common cause of mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Causes of CVD in ESRD patients are multifactorial. Ventricular arrhythmia is known as the leading cause of sudden death in dialysis patients. QT dispersion, which is measured from electrocardiography (ECG), is known as one of the parameters to assess the risk of arrhythmia in HD patients. This study aimed to determine the proportion of pre-dialysis prolonged QT dispersion in chronic twice-weekly HD patients and the associated factors. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HD patients age ≥18 years with dialysis duration of at least three months in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital during May–June 2019. Electrocardiography, echocardiography, and blood samples were taken before the dialysis session. Bivariate analysis using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test was performed on each variable. Significant results were further analysed using logistic regression. Results. A total of 142 subjects were included in this study. The mean age of subjects was 49 (standard deviation (SD) 15) years. Prolonged QT dispersion was found in 51 subjects (35.9%). Multivariate analysis showed prolonged QT dispersion was significantly correlated with systolic dysfunction (PR=1.875 (CI 95% 1.234-2.848); p=0.006) and left ventricle hypertrophy (PR=2.361 (CI 95% 1.032-5.403); p=0.019). Age, diabetes mellitus, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and diastolic dysfunction were not significantly correlated with QT dispersion (p>0.05). Conclusion. The proportion of pre-dialysis prolonged QT dispersion in twice-weekly chronic hemodialysis patients in RSCM is 35.9% and associated with systolic dysfunction and left ventricle hypertrophy.

Aim:B12 vitamin deficiency may cause cardiac autonomic dysfunction, heart rate variability, endothelial dysfunction and subclinical atherosclerosis, a significant degree of reduction in heart ejection fraction and deformation of the left ventricular myocardium. We aimed to investigate the effect of B12 deficiency in children on cardiac electrical activity by comparing the Tp-e and QT dispersion values between healthy children and children with B12 deficiency.Methods:The demographic data, laboratory results electrocardiography and echocardiography results of isolated B12 patients (n=64) with vitamin B12 deficiency and control group (n=64) included in the study between 15.3.2020 and 15.06.2020 were prospectively recorded and comparatively analyzed.Results:A total of 128 patients included in the study. Corrected QT (QTc) value and Tp-e interval, were statistically significantly higher in the patient group (p

Background. Coronary atherosclerosis is an ongoing pathological process, varying from asymptomatic forms to angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and even sudden cardiac death. Early identification of persons with an increased risk of the severe atherosclerosis will promote adequate diagnostic and therapeutic measures to prevent cardiovascular complications. Aim. To make a prognostic model determining the probability of a severe coronary atherosclerosis in cardiac patients. Material and methods. The actual study included 116 patients of cardiology departments with various degree of coronary atherosclerosis measured by coronary angiography: group I 70% coronary stenosis (50% in case of left main coronary artery), group II those with less severe atherosclerotic process. All patients underwent electrocardiography (ECG) at rest and Holter monitoring. Pathological Q-waves, qualitative and quantitative characteristics of ventricular extrasystoles as well as QRS-fragmentation were assessed in all cases. In individuals having sinus rhythm, heart rate turbulence (HRT), T-wave alternans and QT, QTc dispersion on maximum and minimum heart rate were additionally calculated. Results. The prognostic model included the following ECG-markers: HRT, pathological Q-waves, QTc dispersion on maximum heart rate and QRS-fragmentation in lateral leads (I, AVL, V6). All parameters have demonstrated a direct relationship with the likelihood of severe coronary atherosclerosis. The current model took into account 71% of the factors influencing significant atherosclerosis, AUC=0.940.04, the sensitivity and the specificity were 90.0 and 94.4% respectively. Conclusion. A comprehensive assessment of the ECG data helps to identify the group with an increased risk of severe coronary atherosclerosis among cardiac patients.

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors characterized by insulin resistance, prothrombotic and pro-inflammatory state. This study was an attempt to evaluate ECG changes as markers for metabolic syndrome before development of overt cardiovascular disease. Aims: We evaluated association between metabolic syndrome and ECG indices: QT dispersion, QTc dispersion, TpTe interval and TpTe/QT ratio. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study Methods and Material: The study was conducted on 108 patients with metabolic syndrome and compared with age and sex matched 50 controls. Indices were measured from 12 lead ECG and data was compared. Statistical analysis used: SPSS Results: Metabolic syndrome was more common in females with most common criteria present being waist circumference followed by hypertriglyceridemia Metabolic syndrome group had higher levels of BMI, waist circumference, fat percentage, serum triglycerides and fasting glucose, systolic and diastolic pressure as well as lower HDL levels than control subjects. The QTc dispersion, QT dispersion, TpTe intervals and TpTe/QT ratio were significantly increased in Metabolic syndrome group compared to the control group. Increased Odd's ratio of the ECG parameters in comparison with the control group was also calculated. ROC curve revealed that QTc dispersion and TpTe/ QT ratio were better predictors for future metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: Hence ECG indices (QT dispersion, QTc dispersion, TpTe interval and TpTe/ QT ratio) can be used to predict cardiovascular risk in such patients.

Background Carbon monoxide causes electrical, functional, and morphological changes in the heart. It is unclear, however, whether the indicators of myocardial damage can predict the patient’s prognosis after carbon monoxide poisoning. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between the carboxyhemoglobin level and electrocardiographic (ECG) changes and whether the ECG changes and troponin I levels are related to the patient’s prognosis after carbon monoxide poisoning. Methods Carboxyhemoglobin, troponin I, and ECG parameters were measured in 70 patients with carbon monoxide poisoning. The QT and RR intervals were measured for each ECG lead in all patients, and the corrected QT interval and corrected QT dispersion were calculated. Results The correlation between the maximum corrected QT interval and the carboxyhemoglobin level was significant (P = 0.0072, R2 = 0.1017), as were the relationships between QT dispersion and carboxyhemoglobin (P R2 = 0.2358) and the corrected QT dispersion and carboxyhemoglobin (P R2 = 0.2613). The multivariate logistic analysis showed that the significant predictors of sequential disability were corrected QT dispersion (P = 0.0042), and troponin I level (P = 0.0021). Conclusions Patients’ prognosis following carbon monoxide poisoning can be predicted based on corrected QT dispersion and the troponin I level. Patients with myocardial damage should be monitored not only for their cardiovascular outcome but also for their neurological outcome and their prognosis.

Background Cardiac arrhythmias are expected among patients with epilepsy due to the effect of anti-epileptic drugs. Temporal lobe epilepsy also causes autonomic seizures that may affect heart rhythm. Prolongation of the corrected QT interval and QT dispersion is a risk factor for cardiac arrhythmia. Objectives We aimed to assess corrected QT interval and QT dispersion in patients with epilepsy and if there is a difference between patients with temporal epilepsy versus non-temporal epilepsy. Methods This study was conducted on 100 patients (50 patients with temporal epilepsy and 50 patients with non-temporal epilepsy) and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. They underwent a prolonged (6 to 24 h) 22 channel computerized electroencephalogram monitor with a 10–20 system. QT dispersion, QT interval, and corrected QT interval (using Bazett’s formula) were calculated. Results This study showed significantly higher QT dispersion and corrected QT interval in patients with epilepsy when compared to the age- and sex-matched control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Also, the corrected QT interval and QT dispersion were significantly higher in temporal epilepsy patients when compared to the non-temporal group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Conclusion Corrected QT interval and QT dispersion are higher in epileptic patients and more among temporal epilepsy patients in comparison to non-temporal epilepsy patients.

Background: QT duration represents the time of the whole summated electric cardiac ventricular activity involving stepwise depolarization followed by repolarization. There has been a long history of using the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) to identify ventricular repolarization problems. The 1960s were a turning point for precise mathematical methodologies. It has been customary in clinical practice to use only the QT interval and the polarity and shape of the T wave when evaluating cardiac repolarization using an electrocardiogram (ECG). This terminology, such as "non-specific ST segment and T wave variations are widely used. An earlier theory on interlead disparities in QTI length was resurrected in a 1990 report by the group led by Professor John Campbell. The "QT dispersion" range of durations was proposed as a measure of ventricular recovery time spatial dispersion. Objective: Determine the relevance of QTd in prediction of myocardial and its severity. Conclusion: For cardiac patients, QTd is an easy-to-use, rapid, affordable, and helpful tool for helping with study interpretation, clinical management, and therapeutic orientation.

Aim: This study aimed at assessing P-wave and QT interval dispersion in children with β-thalassemia and to correlate them with various laboratory and echocardiographic data. Methodology: Subjects comprised of 30 children with β-thalassemia major as the patient group. 30 healthy children matched for age and sex served as the control group. All patients were evaluated clinically as well as by echocardiography and 12 leads ECG. The type of study is prospective case control study. Results: There was a statistically significant increase of Interventricular Septal end diastole (IVSd), Interventricular Septal end systole (IVSs), Left Ventricular Internal Diameter end diastole (LVIDd), Left Ventricular Internal Diameter end systole (LVIDs) and Left Ventricular Posterior Wall end diastole (LVPWd) in patients as compared to controls (Mean ±SD = 0.950±0.166, 0.863±0.103, 3.983±0.456, 2.947±0.535a nd 0.797±0.165 respectively) (P < 0.05). Moreover, there were a significant increase of LV mass (Mean ±SD = 107.267±26.736, P= 0.002) and LV mass index of the studied patients (Mean ±SD = 106.900±22.651, P = 0.005) compared to the controls. There were significant decrease of ejection fraction (EF%)( Mean ±SD = 60.373 ± 8.088, P = 0.032)and fractional shortening (FS%) (Mean ±SD = 29.495 ± 4.171, P = 0.026) of the studied patients compared to control group. Both P wave dispersion (PWd) (Mean ±SD = 33.667 ± 13.767, P = 0.029) and QT dispersion (QTd) (Mean ±SD = 53.000 ± 18.411, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. There was a significant positive correlation between PWd and serum ferritin (r =0.551, P-value= 0.002), LVIDd (r =0.406, P-value= 0.026), LVPWd (r =0.461, P-value= 0.010), LV mass (r =0.412, P-value= 0.024), and LV mass index(r = 0.379, P-value= 0.039). While, there were a significant positive correlations between QTd and serum ferritin (r =0.654, P-value

Introduction QT interval represents the ventricular depolarization and repolarization. Its accurate measurement is critical since prolonged QT can lead to sudden cardiac death. QT is affected by heart rate and is corrected to QTc via several formulae. QTc is commonly calculated on the ECG and not the 24‐h Holter. Methods 100 patients presenting to our institution were evaluated by an ECG followed by a 24‐h Holter. QTc measurement on both platforms using Bazett and Fridericia formulae was recorded and compared. Results Mean age was 14.09 years, with the majority being males. Mean heart rate was 125.87. In the ECG, the mean QTc interval via the Bazett formula was 0.40 s compared with 0.38 s using the Fridericia formula. The mean corrected QT via the Bazett formula was 0.45, 0.39, and 0.42 s for the shortest RR, the longest RR, and the average RR, respectively. In contrast to the Fridericia formula, the corrected QT interval was 0.40, 0.39, and 0.40 s for the shortest RR, the longest RR, and the average RR, respectively. Using the Bazett formula, the highest specificity was reached during the longest RR interval (92.2%), while the highest sensitivity was recorded during the shortest RR interval (40%). As for the Fridericiaformula, sensitivity always reached 0%, while the highest specificity was reached during the average RR interval. Conclusion QTc measured during Holter ECG reached a high specificity regardless of RR interval using the Fridericia and during the longest and the average RR interval for the Bazett formula. The consistently low sensitivity reveals that Holter ECG should not be used to rule out prolonged QT.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background. The inconsistency of the literature data on the influence of different hemispheric localization of Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) on the development of cardiac arrhythmias suggests the expediency of further study of the so-called "zones" of the cerebral cortex associated with electrical instability of the myocardium. It is known that dispersion of QT interval and fragmented myocardial activity belong to the markers of electrical instability of the heart and are associated with arrhythmogenesis. The aim of the study. To study the severity of abnormalities of the parameters of electrical instability of myocardium in right and left hemispheric stroke localization in patients with hypertension. Material and methods. 111 patients with left hemispheric localization of ischemic stroke and 75 patients with right hemispheric stroke were examined. Hemorrhagic stroke was observed in 17 patients in the left hemisphere and in 13 patients in the right hemisphere. The average age was 58,2 ± 7,48 years. For all strokes, men prevailed (64% vs. 36%). For the first day of the stroke, all patients were evaluated for QT dispersion and fragmented myocardial activity on the device "Polyspectro-8EX" (Russia). Research results. Evaluation of the parameters of electrical instability of myocardium in patients with stroke revealed more pronounced disorders in hemorrhagic stroke of left hemispheric localization (Table 1). In ischemic stroke, the severity of electrophysiological parameters, reflecting the instability of the myocardium depending on the hemispheric localization, indicates the absence of differences. Conclusions. 1.The most pronounced disturbances in the parameters of electrical stability of the myocardium is observed in hemorrhagic stroke. 2.The severity of myocardial electrical instability in ischemic stroke is not associated with the localization of the focus.

Introduction Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been established as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for high-risk patients. To assess the impact of TAVI on cardiac repolarization, we compared QT dispersion (QTD) and the interval from the peak to the end of the T wave (Tpeak–Tend: TpTe) between the patients who underwent TAVI and those who underwent SAVR and TpTe between the patients who underwent TAVI or SAVR. Methods This retrospective study was approved by the ethics committee of Dokkyo Medical University Hospital. The study included 45 patients who underwent TAVI and 45 patients who underwent SAVR. The QT, corrected QT (QTc), QTD, QTc dispersion (QTcD), Tp–Te, Tp–Te/QT, and Tp–Te/QTc were manually measured in standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings obtained before surgery, immediately after surgery, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery and compared between the two groups. Results No change was observed in RR, QT, QTc, Tp–Te, Tp–Te/QT, and Tp–Te/QTc in the two groups throughout the study. The QTD and QTcD significant decreased immediately after surgery in the TAVI group as compared to the SAVR group (P

Introduction Methadone is known to prolong the QT interval, which could induce lethal arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. To determine the risk of ventricular arrhythmias in cancer patients using methadone, we measured QT dispersion (QTD) and Tpeak-Tend (TpTe) before and after methadone administration and evaluated the correlations between methadone dosage and cardiac repolarization. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study with 19 patients undergoing follow-up for cancer pain with methadone. Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were obtained from the patients at methadone initiation and 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months later. The QT, corrected QT (QTc), QTD, QTc dispersion (QTcD), TpTe, TpTe/QT, and TpTe/QTc were measured manually via ECG records and analyzed using a repeated measures one-way ANOVA. The correlations between these ECG parameters and each methadone dosage were determined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results The QTD, QTcD, TpTe/QT, and TpTe/QTc remained unchanged, while TpTe was prolonged significantly at 2 months (initiation: 82 ± 17 ms; 2 months: 106 ± 20 ms, p = 0.018). In addition, there was a positive correlation between TpTe and methadone dosage (rs = 0.4, p = 0.041). Conclusions The findings suggested that small or modest doses of methadone could exert dose-dependent effects on cardiac repolarization in cancer patients. Trial Registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000034519.

BACKGROUND: The difference between maximum QT (QTmax) and minimum (QTmin) on electrocardiography (ECG) is known as QT dispersion (QTd). An increase in QTd carries the risk of ventricular arrhythmia and subsequent death. P wave dispersion (Pd) shows the difference between maximum P (Pmax) and minimum P (Pmin). Prolonged P wave duration and an increase in Pd are a risk for irregular electrical transmission and atrial fibrillation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine QTd and Pd values which indicate atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmia in schizophrenia patients with whom cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are seen at a higher rate than the general population. METHOD: The patient group consisted of 30 male patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and receiving treatment either as inpatients or outpatients in the Mental Health and Diseases Hospital. The patient group had no other psychiatric, neurological or physical disease. The control group comprised 30 age-matched healthy males with no history of neurological, psychiatric, or physical disease. RESULTS: The cases in both groups were all males and there was no difference between the groups in respect of age. Corrected QTd was determined as 25.55 ± 13.18 (ms) in the control group and 54.26 ± 8.46 (ms) in the patient group (p

Introduction: Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) develops in about half of all cirrhotic patients, affecting the long-term morbidity and mortality. Although some studies have shown an increased QT-interval in cirrhotic patients, no evidences of myocardial contractile and QT dispersion (QTd) changes are available. This study aimed to compare myocardial contractile dispersion (MCd), using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), as well as QTd between cirrhotic patients and healthy individuals, investigating their associations with cirrhosis severity. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with confirmed liver cirrhosis and healthy individuals. Participants with structural heart disease, heart ventricular pacing, electrolyte abnormalities, using drugs affecting QT interval were excluded. All individuals underwent 2D echocardiography, and TDI by vivid E9 echo machine. MCd and QTd were considered as main outcomes. Chi-square, independent-sample t test, and Pearson correlation test, were used for statistical analyses by SPPS version 17.0. P value

Objective: to identify the features of myocardial fibrosis and ventricular repolarization disorders associated with malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT) in patients with ischemic (ICM) and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM).Material and Methods. Fifty consecutive patients (41 men and 9 women aged 60±13 years; 30 patients with ICM and 20 patients with NICM) underwent contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart, QT dispersion analysis of 12-lead Holter ECG followed by implantation of cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or resynchronizing device with defibrillator (CRTD) to prevent sudden cardiac death.Results. According to data of 32 (28–43)-month follow up, VT paroxysms were registered in 20 of 30 patients (67%) with ICM and in 5 of 20 patients (25%) with NICM on follow-up. Data of successive univariate and ROC analyses of MRI indices differed between patients with and without recurrence of VTs in ICM and NICM patient groups. In ICM patients, VTs were associated with the values of QT (peak) interval dispersion over 80 mc according to data of Holter ECG monitoring and higher gray zone in the left ventricle (≥27%) according to contrast-enhanced MRI. Similar analyses in NICM patients showed that the most valuable diagnostic signs associated with the right ventricular tachycardias were the values of QT (peak) interval dispersion over 90 mc according to data of Holter ECG monitoring and the presence of non-transmural fibrosis of the left ventricle (≥27%) according to contrast-enhanced MRI.Conclusion. The features of structural remodeling of the left ventricle predisposing to VTs significantly differ in patients with ICM and NICM. Nevertheless, the presence of ventricular repolarization disorders, associated with onset of VTs, is universal in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies.

Interpretation of each electrocardiogram should include measurement and evaluation of the QT interval, because both an increase and a decrease in its duration are associated with a risk of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death. This article reflects the methodological approaches to determining, measuring and evaluating the duration of the QT interval, describes the nature of its dependence on gender, age and heart rate of the patient, and also describes a number of indicators calculated on its basis. Recommendations for measuring and evaluating the QT interval of a standard electrocardiogram have been formulated on the basis of the literature analysis.

Objective Some antidepressants have been implicated as risk factors for QT prolongation, which is a predictor of sudden cardiac death. However, the QT interval is considered an imperfect biomarker for proarrhythmic risk. Therefore, we reevaluated the risk of sudden cardiac death due to antidepressants using improved methods, namely, QT dispersion (QTD), T wave peak-to-end interval (Tp-e), and Tp-e/QT ratio. Methods We compared the effects of antidepressants on QTc (QT/RR1/3), QTD, Tp-e, and Tp-e/QT ratio in 378 patients with mood disorder. We also compared each index between 165 healthy controls and 215 randomly selected age-matched patients. Results Age (p

Background: In pseudoexfoliative syndrome (PEX), extraocular accumulation is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise test on corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) and QTcd recovery in PEX. Patients and Methods: A total of 37 patients diagnosed as PEX were included in the study. The control group consisted of 38 patients. The Electrocardiographies (ECG) were taken. The patients were subjected to an exercise test. Results: In the study group, baseline, peak and third minute recovery QTcd values were 41.35 ± 7.27 ms, 65.19 ± 7.83 ms, and 53.61 ± 6.45 ms, respectively. In the control group, baseline, peak and third minute recovery QTcd values were 29.92 ± 4.23 ms, 38.31 ± 4.22 ms and 28.76 ± 3.09 ms, respectively. There was statistically significant difference between the baseline and peak QTcd values of the study group and the control group (t = 8.34224/p < 0.00001, t = 18.55079/p < 0.00001, respectively). In addition, while there was a statistically significant difference between the baseline QTcd and the third minute recovery QTcd in the study group, there was no statistically significant difference between the baseline QTcd value and the third minute recovery QTcd value in the control group as heart rate recovery (t = 8.388558/p < 0.00001, t = 1.967315/p = 0.056668, respectively). Conclusion: All of them were found to have a higher risk in terms of malignant ventricular arrhythmia in the study group, both at rest and with effort, in a statistically significant way compared to the control group.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background and objectives We aimed to evaluate the marker of ventricular arrhythmias such as Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc, Tp-e/JT and Tp-e/JTc ratios in ‘Small Heart Syndrome’ female patients and also aimed to evaluate the association between ‘small heart syndrome’ and fibromyalgia in female patients. Methods A total of 94 female, including 47 small-heart and 47 normal-heart patients, who applied from March 2018 to February 2020 and who were examined by a physical therapy and rehabilitation specialist, were included in the study by calculating their cardiothoracic ratios (CTR) from the chest x-ray. QTmax, QTmin,QRS, JT and Tp-e intervals were measured. In addition, Tp-e/QTmax, Tp-e/QTc max, Tp-e/JT and Tp-e/JTc rates and QTc max, QTc min, cQTd and JTc intervals were calculated. Results cQTd (24,246 ± 9,046 ms vs. 35,495 ± 14,358 ms, p < 0.001), Tp-e (67,32 ± 11,661 ms vs. 72,67 ± 11,028 ms, p = 0.04), Tp-e/QTc max (0,166 ± 0.028 vs. 0.181 ± 0.027, p = 0,012), Tp-e/JTc (0,214 ± 0.038 vs. 0.232 ± 0.034, p = 0,022) values were significantly higher in small heart patient group. QT min (330,68 ± 26,611 ms vs. 323,04 ± 30,829 ms, p = 0,202) values were significantly lower in patient group. Conclusion Compared to control group potential ECG repolarization predictors were significantly increased in ‘Small Heart Syndrome’ patients. TableElectrocardiographic findings o Control group(n = 47) Patient group(n = 47) P value Heart rate, bpm 87,81 + 15,532 83,81 + 14,372 0,223 QRS; ms 83,23 + 6,948 81,91 + 10,052 0,206 QT max; ms 354,93 + 26,796 358,54 + 28,434 0,528 QT min; ms 330,68 + 26,611 323,04 + 30,829 0,202 JT; ms 265,7 + 25,16 271,88 + 23,104 0,218 QTc max; ms 403,59 + 18,208 400,20 + 18,336 0,371 QTc min; ms 379,34 + 20,064 364,71 + 23,149 0,004* JTc; ms 314,37 + 21,325 313,55 + 22,526 0,856 cQTd; ms 24,246 + 9,046 35,495 + 14,358

Aim: QT dispersion is a potential predictive marker for ventricular tachyarrhythmia events and sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, prior investigations on the prognostic value of QT dispersion in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) have shown conflicting results. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the prognostic value of QT dispersion in patients with CHF. Material and Methods: A total of 66 patients with CHF (LVEF ≤35%, functional class NYHA II/III) were included in the study. Baseline ECG recording, Holter monitoring, equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography, and cardiopulmonary exercise test were carried out in all patients. Findings of the patients who experienced SCD group during the follow-up were compared with survivors.Results: Over 36.7 ± 11.7 months follow-up, 10 patients (7 of 10 with SCD) died, and 3 patients underwent cardiac transplantation. Mean heart rate (101 ± 23 vs. 81 ± 12bpm, p, Amaç: QT dispersiyonu ventriküler taşiaritmi ve ani kardiyak ölüm (AKÖ) olayları için potansiyel bir belirteçtir. Ancak, kronik kalp yetmezliği (KKY) olan hastalarda QT dispersiyonunun prognostik değeri üzerine yapılan önceki araştırmalar çelişkili sonuçlar göstermiştir. Bu çalışma, ileri evre KKY olan hastalarda QT dispersiyonunun prognostik değerini araştırmayı amaçlamaktadır.Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmaya 66 ileri evre KKY olan hasta (sol ventriküler ejeksiyon fraksiyonu (SVEF) ≤%35, fonksiyonel sınıf NYHA II/III) dahil edildi. Tüm hastalarda başlangıçta EKG kaydı, holter monitörizasyonu, radyonüklid ventrikülografi ve kardiyopulmoner egzersiz testi yapıldı. Takip sırasında AKÖ grubu olan hastaların bulguları sağ kalanlarla karşılaştırıldı.Bulgular: Toplam 36,7 ± 11,7 ay üzerinde takipte, 10 hasta (7'sinde AKÖ) öldü ve 3 hastaya kalp nakli uygulandı. Ortalama kalp atış hızı (101 ± 23'e karşı 81 ± 12/dk., p

Hiroaki Okayasu,1 Takahiro Shinozaki,1 Yumiko Takano,1 Norio Sugawara,1 Kumiko Fujii,2 Norio Yasui-Furukori,1 Yuji Ozeki,2 Kazutaka Shimoda1 1Department of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan; 2Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, JapanCorrespondence: Hiroaki Okayasu Tel +81 282-86-1111Email hokayasu@dokkyomed.ac.jpPurpose: Antipsychotic drugs have been implicated as risk factors for QT prolongation, which is a predictor of sudden cardiac death. However, the QT interval is considered an imperfect marker for proarrhythmic risk. Recently, improved methods, namely, QT dispersion (QTD), QTD ratio (QTDR), T wave peak-to-end interval (Tp-e), Tp-e/QT ratio and Tp-e/QTc ratio, have been regarded as proarrhythmic risk markers. We attempted to reevaluate the risk of sudden cardiac death due to antipsychotics use by measuring these improved evaluation methods.Patients and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated QTc, QTD, QTDR, Tp-e, Tp-e/QT ratio and Tp-e/QTc ratio from the medical records of 410 patients with schizophrenia diagnosed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision, or 5th Edition. Information on drugs administered was obtained from medical records. We investigated the correlation between each index on ECG and medication, such as antipsychotics, prescribed to participants with linear regression analysis. We also compared each index between 235 healthy controls and 235 patients matched for age and sex.Results: Positive correlations between QTc and levomepromazine and brexpiprazole were identified. Levomepromazine and lithium were positively correlated with QTD. Levomepromazine, quetiapine, asenapine, clozapine and carbamazepine were positively correlated with QTDR. Levomepromazine, olanzapine, brexpiprazole and lithium were positively correlated with Tp-e. Olanzapine, brexpiprazole and lithium were positively correlated with the Tp-e/QT ratio. Olanzapine, brexpiprazole and lithium were positively correlated with Tp-e/QTc ratio. Significant differences in all indexes were noted between the patients and healthy controls.Conclusion: According to our results, the prediction of the risk of sudden cardiac death by each index was inconsistent. We should evaluate the predictive factor of ventricular arrhythmia according to various electrocardiogram indexes because QTc alone could not identify the risk of sudden cardiac death.Keywords: antipsychotic drugs, sudden cardiac death, electrocardiogram, QT prolongation, QT dispersion, T peak-to-end interval

BackgroundQT dispersion (QTd) is related to regional variations in myocardial repolarization. Our study aims to assess the value of QTd in prediction of myocardial ischemia and its severity during stress imaging.We enrolled one hundred patients having stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and fulfilling the “Appropriateness criteria for cardiac radionuclide imaging” (MPI). They were divided into group I including patients with MPI-detected ischemia (50 patients) and group II including patients with normal perfusion scan (50 patients). We excluded unstable CAD and all other causes affecting QTd. During isotope scan, ECGs were taken and QTd was calculated at rest and at maximum heart rate.ResultsQTd was significantly higher in the ischemic group both at rest and exercise (P= 0.000). QTd difference, the difference between QTd at rest and stress, was calculated. QTd difference was significantly lower in normal than in ischemic group (P= 0.003). There was a significant positive correlation between QTd difference and defect size (P= 0.04).ConclusionQTd increases in ischemia and the QTd difference (between rest and stress) correlates positively with severity of ischemia.QTd and QTd difference could be used to improve the accuracy of stress imaging test.

Background and Purpose: QT dispersion (QTd) abnormalities are widely documented in stroke patients. However, their associations with functional recovery and recurrent vascular events after acute ischemic stroke (IS) have not been thoroughly investigated. Methods: IS patients registered in the Blood Pressure and Clinical Outcome in transient ischemic attack (TIA) or IS (BOSS) registry between 2012 and 2014 within 24 h of onset were analyzed. In this prospective observational study, we identified 1522 IS cases with adequate electrocardiographic evaluations to assess QTd after the index stroke. Patients were divided into four groups according to the quartile of QTd, with the lowest group as the reference. Recurrent vascular events and functional recovery were prospectively collected at 1-year follow-ups. Multiple logistic regressions and Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to investigate the association between QTd and outcome events. Results: The mean QTd across all cases was 57 milliseconds (40-83). Functional dependency or death was documented in 214 (14.98%) cases at 1 year. After adjusting for age, sex, medical history, admission NHISS score, and other covariates, the prevalence of functional dependency or death showed significant differences according to the magnitude of QTd. Compared with patients in the first quartile, patients in the fourth quartile had significantly higher risks for functional dependence or death (mRS score 3–6) at 1 year (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.619 [1.019–2.572]). However, there were no significant differences in the event outcomes at 1 year after the index stroke. Conclusions: QTd was associated with poor functional outcomes at 1 year. QTd is a useful surrogate marker for adverse functional prognosis, which might help to stratify risk in patients with acute IS.

Background Amiodarone causes less drug-induced torsade de pointes (TdP) compared to other class III antiarrhythmics. Two theories proposed for this finding include that amiodarone has less repolarization heterogeneity, and/or decreases early after depolarization (EADs). Corrected QT (QTc) dispersion as measured on a surface electrocardiogram (ECG) represents spatial heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization. Objective The purpose of this study was to analyze the difference in QT dispersion between amiodarone and other class III antiarrhythmics and to determine the etiology of TdP. Methods This was a retrospective, observational study at Montefiore Medical Center between January 2005 and January 2015. Inclusion criteria were adults >18 years on amiodarone, dofetilide, or sotalol with prolonged QT interval on 12-lead ECG. ECGs were reviewed by three blinded observers. QTc was calculated using the Bazett and Framingham formulas. QTc dispersion was calculated by subtracting the shortest from the longest QTc. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for comparison between antiarrhythmic groups with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results A total of 447 ECGs were reviewed and 77 ECGs met inclusion criteria. The average QT dispersion for amiodarone, dofetilide, and sotalol was 0.050, 0.037, and 0.034, respectively (p=0.006) and the average QTc dispersion by Bazett was 0.053, 0.038, and 0.037 (p=0.008) and by Framingham was 0.049, 0.036, and 0.035 (p=0.009), respectively. Conclusion Our results show that given the increase in QT dispersion seen with amiodarone, heterogeneous ventricular repolarization as measured by QTc dispersion likely does not account for the lower incidence of drug-induced TdP seen with amiodarone. The ability of amiodarone to decrease EADs via sodium-channel blockade is more likely the explanation for its lower incidence of drug-induced TdP.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the status and pathogenesis of the increase in QT dispersion (QTd), which allows predicting the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmia, in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) owing to end-stage renal disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 patients undergoing HD, 22 patients undergoing PD, and 20 healthy individuals were included in this study. The difference between the longest QT distance and the shortest QT distance on electrocardiography was calculated, and the corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) was calculated using QTd and corrected QT distances using the Bazett's formula. Blood samples taken 1 day after routine HD in patients undergoing HD and blood samples taken on the day of follow-up after 12 hours of fasting in patients undergoing PD were evaluated. Results: Corrected QT (QTc) was calculated as 54.25 +/- 22.4 ms in the HD group, 54.13 +/- 18.06 ms in the PD group, and 38.7 +/- 8.11 ms in the control group, and these values were statistically significant (p

Background QT dispersion (QTD) represents inhomogeneous ventricular repolarization such that an increased QTD may predispose the heart to malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). This study was conducted to compare QTD in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) before and after treatment by streptokinase (SK) versus primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods The present case–control study was conducted on 185 STEMI patients who received SK (115 cases) or underwent primary PCI (70 cases). QTD and QT corrected dispersion before and 24 h after treatment. Likewise, they were also found to correct fatal arrhythmias (VT and VF) during the first 24 h after admission, and ejection fraction (EF) 24 h after treatment was evaluated. Results QTD decreased in the primary PCI group, though no significant difference was seen between the two studied groups (P > 0.05). A significant increase was detected in the EF mean values for the primary PCI-treated patients (P = 0.022). Moreover, there was a significant reduction in QTD of patients with fatal arrhythmias in the primary PCI group (P = 0.022). Conclusion An overall QTD reduction in the primary PCI group and a significant decrease in QTD of patients with fatal arrhythmias in the primary PCI group show that this treatment strategy is more efficient than thrombolytic therapy. As an important indicator of proper myocardial function, EF can independently predict improved myocardial function in the primary PCI group.

Background Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common condition in the general population, which can be associated to non-specific ECG abnormalities described initially as ST segment depression, T waves flattening or inversion, especially in the inferior leads. Lately, this type of ECG abnormalities has been reported in patients with MVP and ventricular arrhythmias (VA) or sudden death (SD). However, the prevalence of ECG abnormalities has never been studied in a large series of patients, and the link between ECG abnormalities, VA and SD to echocardiography examination has never been prospectively assessed. Objective To study the prevalence of ECG abnormalities including ventricular arrhythmias in MVP patients and their link with echocardiographic characteristics. Methods All patients (n=731, MVP = 486, Controls = 245) were prospectively enrolled and underwent a comprehensive echocardiography and ECG. In MVP patients 81 had minimal systolic displacement (MSD), 92 isolated MVP, 108 mild-moderate MR, and 196 severe MR. A comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of ECG obtained from rest ECG, 24-hours ECG recording or exercise stress tests, was carried out. Mean follow-up was 4.4 years. Results The mains ECG abnormalities were an inversion of T wave in the inferior leads found in 12 MVP vs 1 control (2.5 vs 0.4%, P=0.047) or a QRS notch (5.1 vs 2.9%, P=0.13). In bileaflet MVP T wave inversion was more frequent as compared with other MVP patients (3.8 vs 0.8%, P=0.039). In addition there was a progressive prolongation of PR interval, QRS duration and increase QT dispersion associated with worsening of MR and heart chambers remodeling. None of ECG findings were significantly linked with the presence of MVP only. Out of 731 individuals, 27 (3.7%) had an history of VA or SD. In a multivariate analysis, bileaflet prolapse and mitral annulus disjunction were associated with VA or SD, whereas none of ECG criterion was associated with. Conclusion In this large prospective series of MVP patients, prevalence of inferior leads ECG abnormalities is very low. Prolongation of atrio-ventricular and ventricular conduction, as well increased QT dispersion is associated with worsening of MR and LV remodeling. Bileaflet prolapse and mitral annulus disjunction are associated with VA or SD. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Introduction Smoking increases the risk of arrhythmia. QT dispersion (QTd) is an important indicator for the determination of ventricular arrhythmia. In this study, we aimed to determine the arrhythmia risk by evaluating QTd in smokers and to assess the relationship between the level of nicotine addiction and carbon monoxide (CO) level in the expiratory air. Methods This study was designed as a single-center, cross-sectional study. Among the chronic smokers referred to the Smoking Cessation Clinic of a tertiary hospital between October 2019 and January 2020, all those who had no risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias, except smoking, were included in the study. Sociodemographic data and smoking characteristics of the participants were collected and exhaled CO levels were measured. QT intervals were measured in all leads by using a 12-lead standard electrocardiogram (ECG), and heart rate corrected QT (QTc) intervals, QT dispersion (QTd), and corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) were calculated. Results The mean age of the 250 patients was 37.2±9.3 years and the majority of patients (65%) were male. The mean amount of smoking was 25.74±16.03 packs/year and the mean value of CO was 12.36±7.06 ppm. The mean QTd was 23.83±13.12 ms, and the mean QTcd was 26.63±15.02 ms. A statistically significant relationship was found between QTd and QTcd and level of addiction, consumption of sticks/day and packs/year, and exhaled CO values (all p

Background: Cirrhosis could lead to a long corrected QT (QTc) interval in a subgroup of patients, but there are spare data on its diurnal variation. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the diurnal variation of QTc interval and its relationship to heart rate and blood pressure variation during 24-hour Holter-monitoring in non-alcoholic cirrhosis in comparison with the healthy controls. Methods: The study population comprised 15 patients with non-alcoholic cirrhosis and 15 healthy subjects, undergoing 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate, and blood pressure monitoring. The mean QT interval, mean QTc, maximum and minimum QT, QT dispersion (QT disp), heart rate, and mean arterial blood pressure were measured for each person for 24 hours. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was performed by FibroScan® 502 machine (EchoSense, Paris, France, 5 MHz). The results were demonstrated as percentages and mean ± SD. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean QTc was significantly higher in cirrhosis (438 ms) than healthy controls (401.7 ms) (P = 0.03). The mean heart rate was significantly different in cirrhotic patients (79.6 ± 2.9/bpm) compared to healthy controls (72.47 ± 2.0/bpm) (P = 0.05). Conclusions: In this study, QTc was prolonged and increased with the severity of cirrhosis, and its diurnal variation in cirrhosis was different from healthy subjects.

Background Long QT interval (QT) and abnormal QT dispersion (QTd) are associated with sudden death. The relationship between cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and QT indices in type 2 diabetic patients were investigated. Methods Totally 130 diabetic subjects (mean age 50.87 ± 13.9 years) were included (70 individuals with and 60 individuals without CAN). All participants had sinus cardiac rhythm. The patients who had diseases or take drugs that cause orthostatic hypotension (OH), cardiac arrhythmia and QT prolongation were excluded. After interview and examination, standard and continuous ECG was taken in supine position with deep breathing and standing up position. CAN diagnosis was based on Ewing’s tests. QT, QT corrected (QTc), minimum QT (QT min), maximum QT (QT max) and mean ± SD of QT (QT mean) and QTd were assessed from standard ECG. QTc was calculated by Bazett’s formula from V2 lead. QTc > 440 ms in men and QTc > 460 ms in women and QTd > 80 ms were considered abnormal. Results In patients with CAN, 21.5% were symptomatic. The prevalence of abnormal QTc and QTd was 11.3% and 28.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the patients with or without CAN in terms of long QTc and abnormal QTd. However, the mean ± SD of QT max, QT mean and QTd was higher in the patients with CAN (P value Conclusion The prevalence of asymptomatic CAN was 3.7 times that of symptomatic CAN. In patients with CAN the QT max, QT mean and QTd were higher than those without CAN. There was no association between CAN and long QTc and abnormal QTd.

The effects of thyrotropin (TSH) suppressive therapy on autonomic regulation and ventricular repolarization in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) have not been elucidated. The aim of present study was to evaluate variation in heart rate variability (HRV) and QT dispersion after TSH suppressive therapy in patients with DTC. Cases, defined as 271 patients with DTC within 1 year of exogenous levothyroxine, and all patients underwent a full history, physical examination, including standard 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG), and 24 h ambulatory ECG monitoring (Holter) with normal free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) with levothyroxine. To evaluate effects of TSH suppressive therapy on HRV and QT dispersion, patients were divided into three groups according to different levels of TSH: TSH

Although ibrutinib-associated atrial and ventricular arrhythmias have been well described, there is little information about ibrutinib’s effects on other electrocardiographic parameters, particularly the QT interval. Using our database of 137 patients treated with ibrutinib, we retrospectively identified 21 patients in whom an electrocardiogram (ECG) was obtained both prior to and after ibrutinib exposure. All traditional ECG parameters as well as QT dispersion were manually measured by an electrophysiologist. Compared to baseline ECGs, post ibrutinib ECGs demonstrated QT interval shortening from 386 ms to 356 ms ( P = .007), corrected QT interval shortening using Bazett’s formula from 446 ms to 437 ms ( P = .04), and corrected QT interval shortening using Fridericia’s formula from 425 ms to 407 ms ( P = .003). QT dispersion also increased post ibrutinib exposure compared to baseline (39.8 ms vs 57.3 ms, P = .002). There was no significant change in other ECG parameters. In conclusion, both the absolute and corrected QT intervals significantly shortened after ibrutinib exposure, while there was a significant increase in QT dispersion. These findings may point to a common underlying electrophysiologic mechanism of ibrutinib-associated arrhythmias.

The aim of present study is to evaluate the predictive value of QTc dispersion, Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio for idiopathic monomorphic outflow tract ventricular tachycardia (VT) occurrence in patients with frequent idiopathic outflow tract premature ventricular complexes (PVCs).A total of 180 patients (49.2 ± 13.6 years, 74 male) who had undergone outflow tract PVC ablation between 01 January 2015 and 01 November 2018 constituted our study population. Patients with isolated outflow tract PVC without any VT recording on Holter recordings and without any inducible VT at EPS were classified as isolated PVC group. Patients with any episode of VT that has the same morphology with outflow tract PVC were classified as nonsustained or sustained VT groups based on the duration of VT episode. QTc dispersion, Tp-Te and Tp-Te/QT ratio values were calculated and compared between groups.There were 116 patients with isolated PVC, 35 patients with nonsustained VT and 29 patients with sustained VT. QTc dispersion, Tp-Te and Tp-Te/QT ratio values were significantly lower in patients with isolated PVC compared to patients with nonsustained or sustained VT episodes. Tpeak to Tend interval greater than 110.5 msec on derivation V6 predicted VT occurrence with 93.8% sensitivity and 82.8% specificity. Tpeak to Tend/QT interval greater than 0.27 on derivation V6 predicted VT occurrence with 93.8% sensitivity and 0.81% specificity.Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio on derivation V6 may aid in prediction of presence of outflow tract VT in clinical practice.

Objective To identify the changes in QT dispersion (QTd), corrected QTd (QTcd), and P-wave dispersion (Pd) values with long-term alcohol abuse that could lead to severe ventricular arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, and sudden death in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients with excessive alcohol use. Methods This cross-sectional study included 48 individuals diagnosed with AUD based on DSM-5 criteria. Patients with a history of psychiatric diseases were not included. The control group comprised 48 individuals with no psychiatric diagnosis who did not abuse alcohol or other substances. Participants with body mass index > 24.9 kg/m² were excluded. Twelve-derivation electrocardiograms (ECG) were obtained from all participants. Results The mean ± SD age was 44.35 ± 10.24 years in the AUD group and 40.90 ± 13.45 years in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups based on age (P = .108). There was a significant difference between the groups based on smoking status (P = .000). The mean ± SD period of alcohol use was 20.71 ± 12.04 years, and the alcohol intake was 5.88 ± 1.65 units/d. The AUD group demonstrated elevations in all ECG measures (QTd: 46.56 vs 26.67 ms, QTcd: 54.25 vs 30.88 ms, Pd: 44.69 vs 28.54 ms, all P = .000). Conclusions AUD patients with excessive alcohol use had a higher risk of arrhythmia and sudden death compared to the control group. Consideration of ECG and referral to cardiologic examinations would contribute to the follow-up and health of patients with AUD.

Objectives Investigation of the association between epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) and P-wave dispersion (Pd), QT dispersion (QTd), corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) and Tp-e interval in children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) was aimed. Methods Forty-one children with T1DM and 41 age- and gender-matched healthy children were included in the study. Demographical characteristics of all cases were examined. In echocardiography; in addition to conventional echocardiographic measurements, end-systolic EATT was measured from right ventricular free wall. In electrocardiogram; Pd, QTd, QTcd and Tp-e interval durations, as well as Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were calculated. Correlation values between EATT and electrocardiographic parameters were also noted. Results Mean age of the patient group was determined to be 12.43 ± 3.04 years and that of the control group was determined to be 12.08 ± 2.56 years. There was no significant difference between the groups in regard to age, gender, body weight, height and body mass index. In the patient group; EATT, Pd, QTd, QTcd and Tp-e interval were determined to be significantly higher compared to the control group. In the patient group, no significant correlation was determined between EATT and Pd, QTd, QTcd and Tp-e. However, when both patient and control groups were evaluated together, a statistically significant positive correlation was determined between EATT and Pd, QTd, QTcd and Tp-e. Conclusions In children with T1DM, an increase in epicardial adipose tissue thickness and in risk of cardiac arrhythmias has been demonstrated. To reveal the possible unfavorable effects of EATT on cardiac conduction system in T1DM patients needs further studies.

Makoto Komatsuzaki, Toshifumi Takasusuki, Shigeki Yamaguchi Department of Anesthesiology, Dokkyo Medical University, School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan Purpose: The interval from the peak to the end of the T wave (Tp–Te) on electrocardiography is considered a marker of ventricular arrhythmias. A previous study suggested that right stellate ganglion block prolonged QT and QT dispersion (QTD). We investigated the effect of thoracic epidural sympathetic block with 1% mepivacaine on QT, QTD, Tp–Te, and Tp–Te/QT by using computerized measurement. Patients and methods: After obtaining the approval of the ethics committee of Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, 23 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II who were scheduled to undergo thoracic surgery were enrolled. An epidural catheter was inserted at the Th4–5 or 5–6 level and then used for injection of 7 mL of 1% mepivacaine. Changes in RR interval, QT, corrected QT (QTc), QTD, QTc dispersion (QTcD), Tp–Te, Tp–Te/QT, and Tp–Te/QTc before and after epidural injection were assessed by computerized measurement. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA. Results: Systolic blood pressure was consistently suppressed 10–15 minutes after injection (baseline: 136±10 mmHg, 11 minutes: 113±12 mmHg, 12 minutes: 112±13 mmHg, 13 minutes: 112±12 mmHg, 14 minutes: 108±17 mmHg, 15 minutes: 111±14 mmHg; P

Background Neurologic and liver involvement in Wilson's disease (WD) is well-documented, however, few reports demonstrated cardiac involvement. Tpe and Tpe/QT are new measures of ventricular repolarization which were recently suggested as predictor of arrythmogenesis. We aimed to evaluate ventricular depolarization and repolarization parameters including QT, QTc, Tpe intervals, Tpe/QT, Tpe/QTc ratios, and QT dispersion (QTd) in patients with WD. Materials and methods Thirty-five patients with WD and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. Patients were evaluated by a neurologist in addition to MR imaging. Twenty-one of 35 patients were diagnosed as neuroWilson (NW), whereas 14 patients as non-NW. ECG recordings were obtained using a 12-lead commercial device (Cardiac Science, Burdick s500,USA). All patients underwent standard echocardiographic evaluation. These two groups of patients and healthy controls were compared. Results There were no difference between patients with WD and healthy controls in terms of age sex, BMI, liver, and kidney functions where as patients with WD were anemic and thrombocytopenic. Left atrial, ventricular dimensions, left ventricular systolic, and diastolic functions were similar between patients and healthy control. QT interval was prolonged in patient group, however, QTc, Tpe intervals, Tpe/QT, and Tpe/QTc ratios and QTd did not differ between groups. When patients with NW and non-NW were compared, both QT and QTc intervals were significantly longer in patients with NW, however, Tpe interval, Tpe/QT and Tpe/QTc ratios, and QTd did not differ. Conclusion QT and QTc intervals are prolonged in patients with Wilson's disease and neurologic involvement.

Objective The purpose of the study is to evaluate the risks of atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmia and the risk of right atrial dilatation by using P wave amplitude (Pda) measurement, in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea syndrome (OSAS) by using the parameters of the P wave dispersion (Pd) and QT interval dispersion (QTc) the accepted non-invasive risk indicators for atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Materials and Methods Patients who had applied to our clinic’s sleep laboratory with pre-diognosis of OSAS were evaluated. Two hundred twenty five cases were included in the study who met the criteria for acceptance to work. Polysomnographic tests and routine blood tests applied to all patients. In addition, electrocardiography was performed. Pd, QTc and corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) calculated on a 12 lead surface electrocardiographic examination. The difference between patient and control groups were evaluated. Results After polysomnographic workup, 56 cases with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) 0.05). Although QTcd was higher than normal range in patient group, the differences was not significant compared to control group (p>0.05). In the studies made for P wave, although the values in terms of Pmax, Pmin and Pd were found higher in the patient group than in the control group, a significant difference was not determined between the groups. However, P wave amplitude was significantly higher as statistically in the patient group than in the control group (p=0.02). Conclusion Pd and QTc/QTcd parameters do not seem to be appropriate for the assessment of ventricular and atrial arrhythmia risk in patients with OSAS. However, the increase in Pda may be indicative of an increased risk of right atrial dilatation. There is a need for forward studies involving large case series in order to provide clarity on the subject.