R-Wave Peak Time and Impaired Coronary Collateral Circulation in Chronic Total Occlusion

Background/Objectives: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is one of the most complex forms of coronary artery disease, and myocardial perfusion in patients with CTO largely depends on the adequacy of coronary collateral circulation (CCC). Identifying simple and non-invasive electrocardiographic markers associated with impaired collateralization remains clinically important. The R-wave peak time (RWPT), a surface electrocardiography (ECG) marker representing the time to peak R-wave deflection and an electrocardiographic surrogate of early intraventricular conduction, may provide insight into ischemia-related ventricular activation delay. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether RWPT is associated with poor CCC in patients with CTO. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 92 consecutive patients with CTO and complete clinical, angiographic, and 12-lead ECG data. Patients were categorized according to CCC adequacy into good (n = 52) and poor (n = 40) CCC groups. Demographic, laboratory, angiographic, and ECG parameters were compared. Variables showing significant differences were subjected to univariate analysis, followed by multivariate logistic regression using a backward stepwise selection method. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Patients with poor CCC were significantly older and exhibited longer QRS duration and prolonged RWPT, whereas triglyceride levels were significantly lower. In multivariate analysis, both age (OR: 1.058; 95% CI: 1.005-1.114; p = 0.033) and RWPT (OR: 1.069; 95% CI: 1.013-1.128; p = 0.015) were significantly associated with poor CCC. Conclusions: RWPT may provide adjunctive, non-invasive information regarding collateral adequacy rather than serving as a definitive predictive marker. As an easily obtainable ECG parameter, RWPT may offer incremental diagnostic information when interpreted alongside clinical and angiographic findings in patients with CTO.