Specific electrocardiographic features of manifest coronary vein posteroseptal accessory pathways

Some posteroseptal accessory pathways (APs) can be successfully ablated by radiofrequency current only from inside the coronary sinus (CS) or its branches, because of an absolute or relatively epicardial location. The aim of this study was to identify ECG features of manifest posteroseptal APs requiring ablation in the CS or the middle cardiac veins (MCVs).

One hundred seventeen consecutive patients with manifest posteroseptal APs successfully ablated: (1) > or = 1 cm deep inside the MCV (group MCV: n = 13); (2) inside the CS, including the area adjacent to the MCV ostium (group CS: n = 10); (3) at the right (group R: n = 60); or (4) the left posteroseptal endocardial region (group L: n = 34) were included. We reviewed delta wave polarity (initial 40 msec) and QRS morphology during sinus rhythm and atrial pacing as well as electrogram characteristics in these patients. The local target site electrogram in groups MCV and CS was characterized by a longer atrial to ventricular electrogram interval, suggesting a longer course of the pathway and more frequent recording of a presumptive AP potential compared to the group ablated at the right or left endocardium. The most sensitive ECG feature for group CS or group MCV was a negative delta wave in lead II in sinus rhythm (87%), but specificity (79%) and positive predictive value (50%) were relatively low. A steep positive delta wave in aVR during maximal preexcitation possessed the highest specificity and positive predictive value (98% and 88%, sensitivity 61%) which increased to 99% and 91%, respectively, when combined with a deep S wave in V6 (R wave < or = S wave).

These data suggest that posteroseptal APs ablated inside the coronary venous system have highly specific features, including the combination of a steep positive delta wave in lead aVR and a deep S wave in lead V6 (R wave < or = S wave) during maximal preexcitation. The highest sensitivity is provided by a negative delta wave in lead II. These findings may be helpful for anticipating and planning an epicardial ablation strategy.