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Ventricular fibrillation during coronary angiography: the precatheterization QT interval
J A Arrowood1, D F Mullan, R A Kline
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.
Journal of Electrocardiology
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Pre-catheterization QT prolongation, a measure of heart repolarization, is linked to ventricular fibrillation during coronary angiography. This finding suggests abnormal heart rhythms before the procedure may increase risk, but does not worsen long-term prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Ventricular fibrillation during coronary angiography can be triggered by contrast agents affecting heart repolarization.
- Pre-existing electrocardiographic abnormalities may predispose patients to this adverse event.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between pre-catheterization electrocardiographic findings and the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation during coronary angiography.
- To compare long-term outcomes for patients who experienced ventricular fibrillation versus controls.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 26 patients with ventricular fibrillation during coronary angiography and matched controls.
- Review of angiograms, pre-catheterization ECGs, and patient records.
- Comparison of QT intervals and corrected QT intervals (QTc) between groups.
Main Results:
- Patients experiencing ventricular fibrillation had significantly longer pre-catheterization QT and QTc intervals compared to controls.
- No significant difference in catheterization findings or prior myocardial infarction prevalence.
- Ventricular fibrillation occurrence was not significantly associated with the degree of coronary artery stenosis in relation to QTc.
- Long-term mortality rates were similar between the ventricular fibrillation and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Pre-catheterization QT prolongation is associated with an increased risk of ventricular fibrillation during coronary angiography.
- Ventricular fibrillation during coronary angiography does not appear to negatively impact long-term prognosis.
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