title: Validation of inter-atrial conduction time measurement by means of echo-Doppler.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Little is known about the correlation between the inter-atrial conduction time (IACT) measured at the electrophysiology laboratory and the interval measured from the beginning of the electrocardiographic P wave to the initiation of the A wave in the mitral Doppler signal (P-A interval).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  IACT can be assessed by means of echo-Doppler.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied 21 patients who were referred to our arrhythmia clinic for evaluation of supraventricular tachycardia. During the electrophysiological study, the IACT was measured from the first rapid deflection of the A wave recorded with the high right atrial catheter to the A wave recorded with the coronary sinus catheter. An independent observer measured the P-A interval. Both the electrophysiological and echo-Doppler measurements were corrected for heart rate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  P-A interval was slightly longer than IACT (83.36 +/- 23.91 vs 80.77 +/- 24.11 msec; p = 0.042), but a very good correlation was found between both measurements (r2 = 0.94).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IACT can be non-invasively assessed by measuring the P-A interval.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Physiology, University of The Andes, Mérida, Venezuela. farocha@ing.ula.ve
authors.forename: Abdel J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Fuenmayor
authors.forename: Leonardo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ramírez
authors.forename: Abdel M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Fuenmayor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors