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Validation of inter-atrial conduction time measurement by means of echo-Doppler
Abdel J Fuenmayor1, Leonardo Ramírez, Abdel M Fuenmayor
1Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Physiology, University of The Andes, Mérida, Venezuela. farocha@ing.ula.ve
Insights
The P-A interval, measured using echocardiography, closely correlates with inter-atrial conduction time (IACT) measured in the electrophysiology lab. This non-invasive P-A interval accurately assesses IACT.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The correlation between inter-atrial conduction time (IACT) and the P-A interval is not well understood.
- IACT is typically measured in an electrophysiology laboratory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if IACT can be measured non-invasively using echo-Doppler.
- To determine the correlation between electrophysiologically measured IACT and the echo-Doppler derived P-A interval.
Main Methods:
- 21 patients with supraventricular tachycardia were studied.
- IACT was measured during electrophysiological study using right atrial and coronary sinus catheters.
- The P-A interval was measured using echo-Doppler by an independent observer.
- Both measurements were corrected for heart rate.
Main Results:
- A very good correlation was found between the P-A interval and IACT (r2 = 0.94).
- The P-A interval was slightly longer than IACT (83.36 +/- 23.91 vs 80.77 +/- 24.11 msec; p = 0.042).
Conclusions:
- The P-A interval is a reliable non-invasive method for assessing IACT.
- Echo-Doppler can be used to assess IACT non-invasively.
Background:
Little is known about the correlation between the inter-atrial conduction time (IACT) measured at the electrophysiology laboratory and the interval measured from the beginning of the electrocardiographic P wave to the initiation of the A wave in the mitral Doppler signal (P-A interval).
Hypothesis:
IACT can be assessed by means of echo-Doppler.
Methods:
We studied 21 patients who were referred to our arrhythmia clinic for evaluation of supraventricular tachycardia. During the electrophysiological study, the IACT was measured from the first rapid deflection of the A wave recorded with the high right atrial catheter to the A wave recorded with the coronary sinus catheter. An independent observer measured the P-A interval. Both the electrophysiological and echo-Doppler measurements were corrected for heart rate.
Results:
P-A interval was slightly longer than IACT (83.36 +/- 23.91 vs 80.77 +/- 24.11 msec; p = 0.042), but a very good correlation was found between both measurements (r2 = 0.94).
Conclusions:
IACT can be non-invasively assessed by measuring the P-A interval.