Key result
Lower total cosine R-to-T (TCRT) values were significantly associated with an increased risk of adverse events, including ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SMD -0.34, p<0.05).
Meta-Analysis (n=11,528)
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Total cosine R-to-T (TCRT) is a useful vectorcardiographic marker for risk stratification of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, particularly in patients with myocardial infarction.
Background The total cosine R‐to‐T (TCRT), a vectorcardiographic marker reflecting the spatial difference between the depolarization and repolarization wavefronts, has been used to predict ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in different clinical settings. However, its prognostic value has been controversial. Objective This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the significance of TRCT in predicting arrhythmic and/or mortality endpoints. Methods PubMed and Embase databases were searched through December 31, 2016. Results Of the 890 studies identified initially, 13 observational studies were included in our meta‐analysis. A total of 11,528 patients, mean age 47 years old, 72% male, were followed for 43 ± 6 months. Data from five studies demonstrated lower TCRT values in myocardial infarction patients with adverse events (syncope, ventricular arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death) compared to those without these events (mean difference = −0.36 ± 0.05, p < .001; I2 = 48%). By contrast, only two studies analyzed outcomes in heart failure, and pooled meta‐analysis did not demonstrate significant difference in TCRT between event‐positive and event‐negative patients (mean difference = −0.01 ± 0.10, p > .05; I2 = 80%). Conclusion TCRT is lower in MI patients at high risk of adverse events when compared to those free from such events. It can provide additional risk stratification beyond the use of clinical parameters and traditional electrocardiogram markers. Its value in other diseases such as heart failure requires further studies.
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Tse et al. (2017) conducted a meta-analysis in Risk of ventricular arrhythmias and mortality (n=11,528). Total cosine R-to-T (TCRT) vs. Event-negative patients was evaluated on Adverse events (syncope, ventricular arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death) (SMD -0.34, p=<0.05). Lower total cosine R-to-T (TCRT) values were significantly associated with an increased risk of adverse events, including ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SMD -0.34, p<0.05).
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