Assessment of P-wave duration and dispersion in patients with isolated coronary artery ectasia

Introduction Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as localized or diffuse dilatation of the epicardial coronary arteries. We sought to determine whether isolated CAE may alter P-wave duration and dispersion (PD). Methods The study population consisted of 26 patients (mean age: 61.6 ± 11.0 years) with isolated CAE (group 1) and sex- and age-matched 26 control subjects (group 2). Both groups underwent a standard 12-lead surface electrocardiogram recorded at 50 mm/s. Maximal (Pmax) and minimal P-wave durations (Pmin) are measured. PD was defined as the difference between Pmax and Pmin. Results In group 1, Pmax (114.2 ± 10.4 ms vs 104.8 ± 10.6 ms, p < 0.002) and PD (34.0 ± 12.7 ms vs 24 ± 10.6, p < 0.004) were significantly higher than those of group 2. Moreover a significant correlation was found between Pmax and PD with ectatic segment number (r = 0.625, r = 0.626, respectively; p = <0.001); and Pmax and PD with ectatic vessel number (r = 0.698, r = 0.704 respectively; p = <0.0001). Conclusion Isolated CAE and the degree of the ectasia were found to be associated with prolonged Pmax and PD.