High-frequency electrocardiogram analysis in the ability to predict reversible perfusion defects during adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging

Background

A previous study has shown that analysis of high-frequency QRS components (HF-QRS) is highly sensitive and reasonably specific for detecting reversible perfusion defects on adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) scans. The purpose of the present study was to try to reproduce those findings.

Methods

Twelve-lead high-resolution electrocardiogram recordings were obtained from 100 patients before (baseline) and during adenosine ^99mTc-tetrofosmin MPI tests. The HF-QRS were analyzed regarding morphology and changes in root mean square voltages from before the adenosine infusion to peak infusion.

Results

The best area under the curve (AUC) was found in supine patients (AUC = 0.736) in a combination of morphology and root mean square changes. None of the measurements, however, were statistically better than tossing a coin (AUC = 0.5).

Conclusion

Analysis of HF-QRS was not significantly better than tossing a coin for determining reversible perfusion defects on MPI scans.