Ebstein Anomaly With QRS Fragmentation on Electrocardiogram

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Ebstein anomaly is a rare congenital heart malformation affecting the tricuspid valve and right ventricle.
• It can lead to serious complications such as paradoxical embolization and arrhythmias.
• Interatrial communication is a common associated finding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the association between Ebstein anomaly, interatrial communication, and unilateral blindness.
• To highlight the significance of QRS fragmentation on ECG in Ebstein anomaly.
• To evaluate the impact of corrective surgery on QRS fragmentation.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic findings in patients with Ebstein anomaly.
• Correlation of electrocardiographic findings (QRS fragmentation) with disease severity and surgical outcomes.
• Analysis of complications including paradoxical embolization and unilateral blindness.

Main Results:

• Ebstein anomaly is linked to interatrial communication, enabling paradoxical embolization and causing unilateral blindness.
• Abnormal conduction in the atrialized right ventricle results in QRS fragmentation on ECG.
• QRS fragmentation is indicative of a more severe condition and increased arrhythmia risk.
• Surgical correction involving resection of the atrialized right ventricle leads to the disappearance of QRS fragmentation.

Conclusions:

• Ebstein anomaly poses significant risks including blindness and arrhythmias.
• QRS fragmentation is a valuable ECG marker for assessing Ebstein anomaly severity.
• Corrective surgery effectively resolves ECG abnormalities and associated risks.