[Evaluation of repolarization abnormalities in patients with WPW syndrome by QRST isointegral maps]

The presence of repolarization abnormalities and the effects of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of the accessory pathway on QRST isointegral maps in patients with WPW syndrome were studied. Locations of the minimum in Rosenbaum types A and B differed significantly from normals. Before ablation, abnormally low QRST area (-2SD area) was located over the back and right mid-chest in types A and B WPW syndrome, respectively. Following ablation, the minimum gradually normalized and the -2SD area gradually disappeared over a week. Conclusions. 1) WPW syndrome is often associated with repolarization abnormalities; 2) RF ablation gradually normalizes the abnormalities; 3) ST-T abnormalities in 12-lead ECGs after ablation may be attributable to "cardiac memory."; and 4) QRST isointegral maps may provide useful information about repolarization properties before and after ablation in patients with WPW syndrome.