Myocardial repolarization in patients with idiopathic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) remains an inadequately explored research field. This retrospective observational study aims to add to the relevant body of evidence, as the current data is scarce, largely conflicting and outdated. 45 patients with idiopathic PVCs from a single center were analyzed. Strict eligibility criteria were implemented to minimize the impact of confounders. The QT-interval (and its association with the PVC coupling interval), the T-wave duration and T-wave amplitude were used as markers of myocardial repolarization on surface electrocardiogram (ECG). Digital ECG recordings and modern computer software were used for the ECG measurements and statistical analysis. Postextrasystolic beats exhibited QT-interval prolongation (p <0.001), increased T-wave duration (p <0.001) and reduced T-wave amplitude (p = 0.002) compared to control beats. No statistically significant correlation between PVC coupling interval and QT-interval difference was established (p = 0.238). This study demonstrates postextrasystolic repolarization changes in patients with idiopathic PVCs, thus challenging the prevailing notion that such changes indicate the presence of structural heart disease. This lays the foundation for further prospective and mechanistic studies, in order to investigate the pathophysiology and clinical significance behind these findings.
Άγγελος Χρήστος Σ. Γεωργακόπουλος (Wed,) studied this question.