Prognostic value of an abnormal signal-averaged electrocardiogram in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

The usefulness of an abnormal signal-averaged ECG (SAECG) for the risk stratification of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy was studied prospectively in 76 patients. Multiple analysis showed that an abnormal SAECG predicted cardiac mortality (p = 0.0046), sudden cardiac death, and the need for resuscitation (p = 0.003); however, it did not predict death from heart failure and heart transplantation.