PC-Based ECG waveform recognition-validation of novel software against a reference ECG database.
BACKGROUND
PC-based ECG measurements must cope with normal as well as pathological ECGs in a reliable manner. EClysis, a software for ECG measurements was tested against reference values from the Common Standards for Quantitative Electrocardiography (CSE) database.


METHODS
Digital ECGs (12 leads, 500 Hz) were recorded by the CSE project. Data Set 3 contains reference values for 125 ECGs (33 normal and 92 pathological). Median values of measurements by 11 computer programs and by five cardiologists, respectively, refer to the earliest P and QRS onsets and to the latest P, QRS, and T offsets in any lead of a selected (index) beat. EClysis automatically measured all ECGs, without user interference.


RESULTS
The PQRST points were correctly detected but in two ECGs with AV block II-III. The software was not designed to detect atrial activity in atrial fibrillation (n = 9) and flutter (n = 1). In one case of atrial fibrillation, atrial activity interfered with positioning of QRS and T offsets. Regression coefficients between EClysis and CSE (software-generated and human) were above 0.95 (P < 0.0001). The confidence intervals were 95% for the slope and the intercept of the regression lines.


CONCLUSIONS
The PC-based detection and analysis of PQRST points showed a high level of agreement with the CSE database reference values.
Dota
Corina-Dana
CD
AstraZeneca R&D Mölndal, Mölndal, Sweden. Corina.Dota@astrazeneca.com
Edvardsson
Nils
N
Skallefell
Bo
B
Fager
Gunnar
G
D016208:Databases, Factual; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated; D012986:Software Validation