P6399Long-term clinical outcome in patients with early repolarization pattern and the diagnosis of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation

Background: Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (iVF) is diagnosed in up to 14% of sudden cardiac death survivors. Early repolarization syndrome (ERS) in patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmia is characterized by specific ECG patterns with an elevated J-point in the inferior and/or antero-lateral leads. However, data regarding the prevalence of ERS in patients with iVF are scarce. Purpose: The objectives of this study were to determine the occurrence of ERS in patients with the diagnosis of iVF, and to evaluate potential differences in outcome between ERS and iVF without early repolarization pattern (ERP). Methods: Out of 2398 implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) carriers, 510 sudden cardiac death survivors were retrospectively identified from the database of the Division of Cardiology of the Medical University of Vienna within the last three decades. ERP was classified either as “notching” or “slurring” of the J-point elevation in inferior and/or antero-lateral leads. Clinical endpoints were defined as appropriate ICD therapy, either anti-tachycardia pacing or shock, and all-cause mortality.