[Analysis of P wave duration and dispersion in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation].

Unlabelled: Some findings in standard electrocardiogram (ECG) may be associated with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of the study was to evaluate P wave duration and P wave dispersion (Pdysp) derived from 12-lead standard surface ECG in sinus rhythm in patients with history of AF in comparison to control subjects without AF and with premature ventricular ectopic beats (PVEB).

Material And Methods: The study group consisted of 20 patients (pts), 9M. 11F, mean age 47.6 +/- 5.5 years with paroxysmal AF. The control group consisted of 19 pts, 9M, 10F, mean age 46.7 +/- 4.7 years without history of AF with PVEB. All patients in both groups were treated with antiarrhythmic drugs. Left atrium dimensions (LA) in the transthoracic echocardiographic examinations (TTE) and maximal (P(max)), minimal (P(min)) wave duration and P(dysp) in a ECG recordings were analyzed. Pdysp was calculated as the difference between P(max) and P(min).

Results: ECG analysis showed statistically significant differences, study group vs control group in P wave duration and P(dysp). We found that in AF group P(max) and P(dysp) were significantly greater (125.5 vs. 114.5 ms, p < 0.005 and 59.5 vs 45.4 ms, p < 0.01, respectively). LA were significantly greater in AF group (43.7 vs 41.8 mm, p < 0.05). P(dysp) correlated significantly with P(mex) and LA.

Conclusions: In AF patients, P wave duration and P wave dispersion, in other words atrial depolarization/repolarization inhomogeneity, were increased. A significant positive correlation between P wave dispersion and both Pmax and left atrium size were found.