Comparison of the integral indices of the vectorcardiogram with the data of echocardiography in patients with idiopathic and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

The aim of the work is to compare vectorcardiographic (VCG) variables - spatial QRS-T angle and electrocardiographic ventricular gradient (VG) with echocardiography (EchoCG) data in patients with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (IPH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Materials and methods. In 40 patients with IPH and 40 patients with CTEPH at the age of 45±12 years, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP); the sizes of heart chambers, parameters of RV systolic and diastolic function were evaluated with EchoCG. The QRS-T and VG angles were calculated on the VCG, derived from 12-lead digital ECG. Results. In all patients SPAP was greater than 40 mm Hg (mean 83±18 mm Hg), EchoCG data indicated hypertrophy and dilatation of RV, its systolic and diastolic function; dilatation of the right atrium (RA). Prognostically unfavorable changes in EchoCG were observed: the presence of pericardial effusion in 35 (44%) patients, RA area greater than 26 cm2 in 18 (23%) patients; TAPSE less than 1.5 cm in 37 (46%) patients. EchoCG and VCG variables had statistically significant differences in patients with III-IV functional class in comparison with I-II functional class. Statistically significant moderate correlations between VCG and EchoCG variables were revealed. VCG variables allowed to separate patient groups with the presence and absence of prognostically unfavorable changes in EchoCG with sensitivity from 54 to 78% and specificity from 66 to 87%. Conclusion. In patients with IPH and CTEPH, changes of QRS-T angle and VG correlate with SPAP, the size of RV and RA, parameters of RV systolic and diastolic function. The possibility of the use of QRS-T angle and VG for the detection of patients with prognostically unfavorable echocardiographic changes in the general group of patients with IPH and CTEPH has been shown.

Vectorcardiographic Ventricular Gradient with Constituents, and Myocardial Action Potential Parameter Distribution

“…Recent medical research has demonstrated high efficiency and predictive value of integral VCG parameters [13], [14]. Also noteworthy are the works [15], [16], where, along with the components of the VG vector and the angle between its constituents, the decartogram of the repolarization acceleration is successfully used for diagnostic analysis.…”

QRS-T angle as a predictor of pulmonary arterial hypertension: A review

“…In patients with IPH and CTEPH, [ 15 ] the change of QRS-T Angle is strongly correlated with SPAP, RV size, RA size, and RV systolic and diastolic function. An analysis has shown that QRS-T Angle can be combined with changes in echocardiography [ 15 ] for the definitive diagnosis of IPH and CTEPH patients.…”