Relation of fragmented QRS to tissue Doppler-derived parametersin patients with familial Mediterranean fever

Muhammet Murat Celik1, Eyup Buyukkaya, Nilgul Ustun

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey, dr.muratcelik@yahoo.com.

Abstract

Insights

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients show a higher frequency of fragmented QRS (fQRS), indicating potential cardiac involvement. This fragmented QRS pattern is linked to impaired diastolic function in FMF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is associated with chronic inflammation, increasing cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Fragmented QRS (fQRS) on ECG is a novel indicator of myocardial fibrosis.
  • Investigating fQRS in FMF may reveal subclinical cardiac changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of fQRS in FMF patients.
  • To assess the relationship between fQRS and Doppler-derived echocardiographic indices in FMF.
  • To explore fQRS as a noninvasive marker for cardiac involvement in FMF.

Main Methods:

  • Electrocardiography (ECG) to identify fQRS patterns.
  • Conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography in 80 FMF patients and 30 controls.
  • Analysis of fQRS prevalence and correlation with diastolic function parameters (E/Em, Em).

Main Results:

  • FMF patients had a significantly higher prevalence of fQRS (56% vs 13%).
  • FMF patients with fQRS showed significantly increased E/Em ratio and decreased Em.
  • No significant age difference between FMF patients and controls.

Conclusions:

  • Fragmented QRS (fQRS) is more frequent in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients.
  • Doppler-derived diastolic indices are impaired in FMF patients with fQRS.
  • fQRS may serve as a noninvasive marker for cardiac involvement in FMF.

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