Effects of isolated coronary artery ectasia on electrocardiographic parameters reflecting ventricular heterogeneity

Isolated coronary ectatic but otherwise normal epicardial coronary arteries are an infrequent angiographic finding. We sought to determine whether coronary artery ectasia (CAE) may alter QT-interval duration and dispersion. The study population consisted of 24 patients with isolated CAE and otherwise normal epicardial coronary arteries (group 1) and sex- and age-matched subjects with atypical chest pain and otherwise normal coronary flow (group 2). Both groups underwent a routine standard 12-lead surface electrocardiogram recorded at 50 mm/s during rest. QT dispersion (QTd), corrected QT (QTc), and corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) were calculated. Distribution of sex, age, body mass index, and cardiac risk factors were similar in the 2 groups. Mean heart rate was similar in the 2 groups (74 ± 10 vs 70 ± 7, P > .05). In group 1, QTd, QTcd, and QTc were significantly higher than those of group 2 (QTd, 40 ± 17 vs 29 ± 10 milliseconds [P < .05]; QTcd, 43 ± 19 vs 30 ± 10 milliseconds [P < .05]; QTc, 410 ± 21 vs 397 ± 19 milliseconds [P < .05]). In conclusion, CAE was found to be associated with prolonged QT interval and increased QTd. Microvascular dysfunction and/or ischemia may be responsible mechanisms.