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[Early ventricular repolarization as a probable consequence of acute viral and idiopathic myopericarditis]
Abstract:
64 patients who had acute viral or idiopathic myopericarditis (40 males and 24 females aged 16-48 years) were followed up for 3 to 24 years. Echocardiography has found thickening of the pericardium from 5 to 8 mm which corresponded to fibrosis in 55 patients (85.9%). Early repolarization was detected in 17 patients, in 14 of them it was associated with pericardial thickening (82.4%). Of 30 healthy controls, early repolarization in combination with pericardial fibrosis occurred in 6.7% of cases. In 7 patients with early repolarization ECG registered residual changes of the acute period, in 6 new changes arose--His block and left ventricular hypertrophy. It is suggested that in many cases early repolarization is not independent, it is sequelae of previous myopericarditis.
Insights
This study suggests early repolarization in patients with myopericarditis is often a consequence of the condition, not an independent finding. Pericardial thickening and fibrosis were common sequelae in this patient group.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Myopericarditis, an inflammation of the heart's outer layers, can have long-term consequences.
- Early repolarization is an electrocardiographic finding with debated clinical significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between early repolarization and pericardial changes in patients with a history of myopericarditis.
- To determine if early repolarization is an independent finding or a sequela of myopericarditis.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal follow-up of 64 patients diagnosed with acute viral or idiopathic myopericarditis.
- Echocardiography to assess pericardial thickness and fibrosis.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis for early repolarization and other cardiac abnormalities.
Main Results:
- Pericardial thickening (5-8 mm) and fibrosis were observed in 85.9% of patients.
- Early repolarization was present in 17 patients, with 82.4% also showing pericardial thickening.
- Compared to controls (6.7%), early repolarization with pericardial fibrosis was significantly more common in myopericarditis patients.
- ECG changes like His block and left ventricular hypertrophy were noted in some patients with early repolarization.
Conclusions:
- Early repolarization in the context of myopericarditis is frequently associated with pericardial thickening and fibrosis.
- The findings suggest that early repolarization may often be a sequela of previous myopericarditis rather than an independent condition.