Correlation between vectorcardiographic measures and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging of the left ventricle in an implantable cardioverter defibrillator population

BackgroundMeasures of vectorcardiographic changes and LV remodelling have been associated with arrhythmic risk. However the correlation between the two modalities is not well characterised.MethodsWe correlated spatial QRS-T angle and ventricular gradient with cardiac MRI derived LV global measures and scar pattern in 66 ICD recipients.ResultsSpatial QRS-T angle was significantly larger in patients with ischaemic scar than those without scar (150° ± 22° vs. 119° ± 46°, p = 0.01). Larger spatial QRS-T angle was also correlated with more depressed LV function, more dilated LV and larger LV mass. Ventricular gradient azimuth was significantly different between patients with no scar, non-ischaemic scar and ischaemic scar (20° ± 49° vs. 38° ± 62° vs. 65° ± 48°, p = 0.009), but independent of spatial QRS-T angle and LV structure.ConclusionsSpatial QRS-T angle and ventricular gradient are partially related to LV structural properties. Further investigation is warranted to examine their comparative and combined prognostic value in risk stratification of ventricular arrhythmias.