Screening for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Scar Features by 12-Lead ECG, in Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Background: Increased QRS score and wide spatial QRS-T angle are independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality in the general population. Our main objective was to assess whether a QRS score ≥ 5 and/or QRS-T angle ≥ 105° enable screening of patients for myocardial scar features.

Methods: Seventy-seven patients of age ≤ 70 years with QRS score ≥ 5 and/or spatial QRS-T angle ≥ 105° as well as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >35% were enrolled in the study.

Associations of electrocardiographic P-wave characteristics with left atrial function, and diffuse left ventricular fibrosis defined by cardiac magnetic resonance: The PRIMERI Study.

Background: Abnormal P-terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) is associated with an increased risk of heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and death.

Objective: Our goal was to explore associations of left ventricular (LV) diffuse fibrosis with left atrial (LA) function and electrocardiographic (ECG) measures of LA electrical activity.

Methods: Patients without atrial fibrillation (n = 91; mean age 59.

Number of P-wave fragmentations on P-SAECG correlates with infiltrated atrial fat.

Background: Although atrial fibrillation (AF) triggers are known, the underlying AF substrate is less well understood. The goal of our study was to explore correlations between electrophysiological and structural characteristics of atria in patients with paroxysmal AF and individuals at AF risk.

Methods: Patients in sinus rhythm (N = 90; age 57 ± 10 year; 55 men [63.

Infiltrated atrial fat characterizes underlying atrial fibrillation substrate in patients at risk as defined by the ARIC atrial fibrillation risk score.

Background: It is known that expanded epicardial fat is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, infiltrated intraatrial fat has not been previously quantified in individuals at risk as determined by the ARIC AF risk score.

Methods: Patients in sinus rhythm (N=90, age 57 ± 10 years; 55 men [63.

Obtaining cornea donation consent by telephone.

Background: Cornea donation process comes up against difficulties in obtaining families' consent. A face-to-face interview is often not possible for logistical reasons. We carried out a prospective study of the effectiveness of telephone contact in obtaining donation consent.