Open AccessGlobal t‐wave inversion: Limited QT dispersion despite qtc prolongation—a correlate of benignity in patients with strikingly abnormal electrocardiograms
Author(s) -
Desai Sweta A.,
Mehrok Sandeep,
Spodick David H.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960221012
Subject(s) - qt interval , medicine , benignity , prolongation , electrocardiography , cardiology , t wave , subtraction , mathematics , arithmetic , malignancy
Background : The global T‐inversion (GTI) electrocardiogram (ECG) is strikingly abnormal with major QTc prolongation, but with a surprisingly good prognosis by Kaplan‐Meier curve. This contrasts with most significant QTc prolongations. Hypothesis : This study was undertaken to ascertain QT interval dispersion (QTd) in global T wave inversion, a clinically benign long QTc ECG. Methods : Longest and shortest QT intervals in all 12 leads in 35 consecutive patients with GTI were determined by two mutually blinded observers. QTd was determined by subtraction (maximum – minimum) and QTc was calculated using the Bazett formula. Results : There was a 2:1 female preponderance. QTc was prolonged and equal for men (0.471) and women (0.469). Observer variability of under 2% permitted averaging of QT measurements. Composite mean QTd was 55 ms. The literature revealed a range of QTd in normal subjects of 39 to 59 ms (mostly 49 to 59 ms). Patient series with abnormal QTd were well above this level. Conclusion : Despite a strikingly abnormal ECG with marked QTc prolongation, QT dispersion was limited in global T inversion, consistent with its previously demonstrated benignity.