Abnormal Changes of a 12-Lead Electrocardiogram in Male Patients with Left Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Typical electrocardiographic (ECG) changes associated with left primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) have previously been well-described. However, there were no reports in the literature about the characteristic of ECG in estimating the severity of pneumothorax.

From 2003 through 2008, 63 male patients who had left PSP were divided into two groups: 1) large PSP, Light index ≥ 20% (n = 43), and 2) small PSP, Light index < 20% (n = 20). The ECGs of 64 age-matched disease-free men were used as the normal control. Those medical records reviewed that provided data for this study included patient backgrounds, severity of PSP, and 12-lead ECG characteristics.

As compared to the normal controls, left PSP patients had lower body mass index, more rapid heart beat rate and lower voltages in V3R-V6R. In analyzing QRS voltages, the amplitudes of V2S and V3S were significantly different. As with both V2S < 12 mm and V3S < 9 mm, the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value to predict patients who had large left PSP area were estimated at 42% (18/43), 100% (20/20) and 100% (18/18), respectively.

Using the criteria of V2S < 12 mm, V3S < 9 mm and electrical alternans could predict pneumothorax size exceeding 20% in patients who already had left PSP.

12-lead electrocardiogram; Male; Primary spontaneous pneumothorax.