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

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.