Early Repolarization, Fragmented QRS and Tpeak-Tend Interval as Electrocardiographic Markers in Patients with Idiopathic Ventricular Arrhythmias: a Brief Review

Authors

  • Javier Pinos Vásquez Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul – Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia – Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7237-6136
  • Tiago Luiz Luz Leiria Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul – Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia – Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil.
  • Clóvis Froemming Jr Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul – Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia – Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil.
  • Bruno Schaaf Finkler Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul – Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia – Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil.
  • Danilo Barros Zanotta Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul – Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia – Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil.
  • Thiago Camargo Moreira Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul – Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia – Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil.
  • Marcelo Lapa Kruse Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul – Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia – Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil.
  • Leonardo Martins Pires Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul – Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia – Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil.
  • Gustavo Glotz de Lima Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul – Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia – Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil.

Keywords:

Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias;, Ventricular tachycardia;, Ventricular fibrillation, Sudden death, Early repolarization, QRS fragmentation, Tpeak-Tend interval

Abstract

Introduction: Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, as causes of sudden cardiac death, are entities with mechanisms poorly studied and understood to date. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple tool, but with great diagnostic and prognostic value, which has allowed the identification of certain markers associated with increased risk of development of malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Methods: To identify the electrocardiographic markers related to the risk of developing idiopathic malignant ventricular arrhythmias, a review of the literature was performed, looking for the most recent articles with the greatest scientific impact on the topic. Outcome: Although the number of studies published to date is scarce, the published evidence has shown three electrocardiographic risk markers that have emerged in recent years and which have been related to the development of idiopathic malignant ventricular arrhythmias: the early repolarization (ER) pattern, QRS fragmentation (QRSF) and the Tpeak-Tend (Tp-Te) interval. The ECG marker that has shown most evidence to date is the pattern of ER, as a cause of changes in both ventricular depolarization and repolarization. The QRSF and the Tp-Te interval have also been related to the development of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias, although with less evidence in this regard. Conclusion: In the last years, three electrocardiographic markers have appeared as variables related to the development of malignant ventricular arrhythmias, as is the case of ER, QRSF and Tp-Te interval. However, evidence is scarce in this specific patient profile and further randomized clinical trials are necessary to demonstrate its true relationship and usefulness.

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References

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Published

2020-11-06

How to Cite

Pinos Vásquez, J., Leiria, T. L. L. ., Froemming Jr, C. ., Finkler, B. S. ., Zanotta, D. B. ., Moreira, T. C. ., Kruse, M. L. ., Pires, L. M. ., & Lima, G. G. de . (2020). Early Repolarization, Fragmented QRS and Tpeak-Tend Interval as Electrocardiographic Markers in Patients with Idiopathic Ventricular Arrhythmias: a Brief Review. JOURNAL OF CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS, 33(3), 142–146. Retrieved from https://jca.org.br/jca/article/view/3394

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 3 (2020)

Section

Clinical Arrythmia

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