Fragmented QRS Complexes on 12-lead ECG: a Marker of Cardiac Sarcoidosis As Detected by Gadolinium Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Overview

Journal Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol

Specialty Cardiology & Vascular Diseases

Date 2009 Oct 7

PMID 19804507

Citations 36

Authors

Mohamed Homsi

Lamaan Alsayed

Bilal Safadi

Jo Mahenthiran

Mithilesh K Das

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Fragmented QRS complexes (fQRS) on a 12-lead ECG are a marker of myocardial scar in patients with coronary artery disease. Cardiac sarcoidosis is also associated with myocardial granuloma formation and scarring. We evaluated the significance of fQRS on a 12-lead ECG compared to Gadolinium-delayed enhancement images (GDE) in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).

Method And Results: The ECGs of patients (n = 17, mean age: 52 +/- 11 years, male: 53%) with established diagnosis of sarcoidosis who underwent a CMR for evaluation of cardiac involvement were studied. ECG abnormalities included bundle branch block, Q wave, and fQRS. fQRS, Q wave, and bundle branch block were present in 9 (53%), 1 (6%), and 4 (24%) patients, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of fQRS for detecting abnormal GDE were 100% and 80%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Q waves were 11% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions: fQRS on a 12-lead ECG in patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis are associated with cardiac involvement as detected by GDE on CMR.

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