title: Observations on the capability of the electrocardiogram to detect left ventricular function in chronic severe aortic regurgitation.
abstract: Echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular (LV) function were compared with the electrocardiographic findings in 40 patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation. Total 12-lead QRS amplitude was linearly correlated with LV mass and its 'relative reduction' (less than 250 mm) indicated LV hypertrophy. Patients with an electrocardiographic 'strain' pattern had a marked increase LV stress (573 +/- 68 dyn). The association of high total 12-lead QRS amplitude and 'strain' indicate a moderately depressed ejection fraction (EF = 43 +/- 3). Finally, 'strain' and a 'relative reduction' of total 12-lead QRS amplitude were present in patients with a severe depression of EF and contractility. The predictive value of these electrocardiographic indices was confirmed during a mean follow-up of 49 months. In conclusion, the electrocardiogram remains an excellent, easy tool for anatomical and functional investigation of patients with aortic regurgitation.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Division, Medical School, University of Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Scognamiglio
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fasoli
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bruni
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dalla-Volta
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000503:physiopathology; D002312:Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009200:Myocardial Contraction