Prevalence and spectrum of abnormal electrocardiograms in patients with an isolated congenital left ventricular aneurysm or diverticulum.
OBJECTIVE
Congenital left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) and diverticulum (LVD) are rare cardiac anomalies and can be associated with ECG abnormalities and rhythm disturbances. We sought to investigate the prevalence and the spectrum of ECG abnormalities in such patients.


RESULTS
We assessed 125 patients with isolated LVA or LVD for the prevalence of ECG abnormalities and compared the findings to an age- and gender-matched control group. The 12-lead ECG patterns were evaluated according to commonly used criteria and were classified into three subgroups (distinct, mildly, and minor). Fifty-four of the 125 patients (43.2%) had normal and 71 (56.8%) abnormal ECGs. Mean age was 66 years. Forty-nine (39.2%) were male. Distinct abnormal ECG patterns were more prevalent in patients with LVD (38.2 vs. 15.8%, P = 0.04), and apical location of the anomaly (36.6 vs. 16.6%, P = 0.02). Older age (>66 years) was associated with a trend for a higher prevalence of abnormal ECG pattern (33 vs. 18%, P = 0.06), whereas gender had no influence (32 vs. 16%, P = 0.14). This study also shows that the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of a 12-lead ECG for the diagnosis of LVA or LVD are low.


CONCLUSIONS
This large single-centre study suggests that the prevalence of abnormal ECG patterns in patients with isolated LVA or LVD is as high as 56.8%. However, ECG is not specific and sensitive to be used as a screening tool in such patients.
Ohlow
Marc-Alexander
MA
Department of Cardiology, Zentralklinik Bad Berka, Robert-Koch-Allee 9, Bad Berka, Germany. m.ohlow.kar@zentralklinik-bad-berka.de
Lauer
Bernward
B
Geller
J Christoph
JC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004240:Diverticulum / Q000151:congenital* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006322:Heart Aneurysm / Q000151:congenital* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000002:abnormalities*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology