Use of signal-averaged electrocardiography in the evaluation of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in boxers.
OBJECTIVE
To assess signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) for evaluation of Boxers with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and identify dogs at risk for sudden death (SD) or death related to congestive heart failure (CHF).


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
94 Boxers with ARVC and 49 clinically normal non-Boxers (controls).


METHODS
Boxers were screened for ARVC, and severity was estimated by use of echocardiography, 24-hour ambulatory ECG, and SAECG. Statistical evaluation was performed to identify significant differences in SAECG variables relative to clinical outcome, frequency of ventricular arrhythmias, and systolic function. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were evaluated for each SAECG variable for occurrence of SD or death related to CHF. Late potentials were also evaluated as a predictor of cardiac-related death.


RESULTS
Differences were detected in SAECG variables on the basis of clinical outcome, systolic function, and frequency of ventricular arrhythmias. More severely affected dogs had significantly more abnormal SAECG findings. The presence of late potentials, defined as 2 abnormal root mean square values (of 4), was associated with high sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value for cardiac-related SD or death secondary to CHF CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that SAECG is a useful noninvasive diagnostic test to evaluate dogs affected with ARVC and identify individuals at risk for cardiac-related death.
Spier
Alan W
AW
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Meurs
Kathryn M
KM
D000818:Animals; D019571:Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004285:Dogs; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity