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Biomedical subjects

A Taguchi

Publications and source records attributed to A Taguchi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Fractal dimension on dental radiographs.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To compare fractal dimension (FD) from periapical radiographs with FD from panoramic radiographs; (2) to correlate FD with cortical thickness and morphology; and (3) to correlate FD with a reported history of osteoporotic fractures. METHODS: Information on fracture and smoking history was obtained by a telephone interview with 281 elderly (>60 years of age) patients who had periapical and panoramic radiographs exposed on the same date. FD was measured in several locations on both types of radiograph. Mandibular cortical thickness and morphology were obtained from the panoramic radiograph. RESULTS: FD measured in the mandible was lower than FD in the maxilla. Same-jaw measurements had a higher correlation than same-side measurements. FD measured on panoramic radiographs was lower than FD from periapical radiographs. There was a negative correlation between cortical thickness and FD. FD was higher in subjects with more mandibular cortical porosities and resorption. The mean panoramic FD from subjects with a history of osteoporotic fractures was significantly higher, after adjusting for smoking, gender, age, height and weight. CONCLUSIONS: FD measured on panoramic radiographs is lower than FD measured on periapical radiographs. FD is higher in both types of radiograph in subjects with a thinner, severely eroded mandibular cortex and a history of osteoporotic fractures. This study confirms other reports that FD increases when bone mass decreases. In addition, it suggests that panoramic radiographs can be used as a possible alternative for the measurement of FD to periapical radiographs.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2001

The role of Purkinje and pre-Purkinje potentials in the reentrant circuit of verapamil-sensitive idiopathic LV tachycardia.

Although the mechanism of verapamil-sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) is usually reentry, the actual reentrant circuit is not clearly understood. This study examined the relationship between the Purkinje potential (PP) and a dull potential preceding PP (pre-PP) during ILVT to elucidate the roles of these potentials in the reentrant circuit of ILVT. Electrophysiological studies and radiofrequency catheter ablation were performed in ten patients (7 men, 3 women, mean age 29 years) who had an ILVT with a right bundle branch block configuration and left-axis deviation. Left ventricular endocardial mapping using an octapolar catheter and entrainment and resetting studies during VT was performed by pacing from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and each site of the left ventricular mapping catheter. PP and pre-PP were recorded simultaneously during VT in all patients. The earliest PP during VT was recorded at the inferoposterior septum, and PP was activated bidirectionally toward the proximal (basal) and distal (apical) sites along the left posterior fascicle. In contrast, pre-PP was recorded at sites slightly proximal to the earliest PP recording site, and was activated toward the earliest PP site. Pacing from RVOT confirmed manifest entrainment, and the stimulus to pre-PP interval was prolonged with a shorter pacing cycle length. Concealed entrainment was demonstrated by capture of the PPs of the left ventricular mapping catheter in six patients, and the postpacing interval at each PP site was equal to the tachycardia cycle length. The pre-PP was orthodromically activated from the proximal to the distal site during pacing. More rapid pacing also produced delay in activation from PP to pre-PP, indicating slow conduction in ILVT. Catheter ablation was performed at the pre-PP recording site during VT, and was successful in all patients. The reentrant circuit of ILVT could be constructed based on the pre-PP, PP, and slow conduction between the PP and pre-PP. Catheter ablation of ILVT was successful at the pre-PP recording site.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Acute effects of different atrial pacing sites in patients with atrial fibrillation: comparison of single site and biatrial pacing.

It has been reported that a trial single site or biatrial pacing can suppress the occurrence of AF. However, its mechanism remains unclear. The study population included 32 patients with AF (n = 20: AF group), or without paroxysmal AF (n = 12: control group). The mechanism and efficacy of atrial pacing were investigated by electrophysiological studies to determine which was more effective for suppressing AF induction; single site pacing of the right atrial appendage (RAA) or distal coronary sinus (CS-d), or biatrial (simultaneous BAA and CS-d) pacing. In the AF group, AF inducibility was significantly higher with BAA extrastimulus during RAA (12/20; P < 0.0001) or biatrial paced drive (7/20; P < 0.01) than during CS-d paced drive (0/20). In the control group, AF was not induced at any site paced. In the AF group, the conduction delay and other parameters of atrial vulnerability significantly improved during CS-d paced drive. The atrial recovery time (ART) at RAA and CS-d was measured during each basic pacing mode. ART was defined as the sum of the activation time and refractory period, and the difference between ARTs at RAA and CS-d was calculated as the ART difference (ARTD). The ARTD was significantly longer during BAA pacing in the AF group than in control group (155.0 +/- 32.8 vs 128.8 +/- 32.9 ms, P < 0.05). In the AFgroup, ARTDs during biatrial (52.0 +/- 24.2 ms) and CS-d pacing (51.7 +/- 26.0 ms) were significantly shorter than ARTD during RAA pacing. The CS-d paced drive was more effective for suppressing AF induction than biatrial or RAA paced drive by alleviating conduction delay. CS-d and biatrial pacing significantly reduced ARTD compared with RAA pacing.

Atrial Fibrillation↗
PubMed2001

Clinical usefulness of a multielectrode basket catheter for idiopathic ventricular tachycardia originating from right ventricular outflow tract.

INTRODUCTION: It often is difficult to determine the optimal ablation site for idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT) originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) when the VT or premature ventricular complex (PVC) does not occur frequently. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of a multielectrode basket catheter for ablation of idiopathic VT originating from the RVOT. METHODS AND RESULTS: Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation was performed using a 4-mm tip, quadripolar catheter in 50 consecutive patients with 81 VTs originating from the RVOT with (basket group = 25 patients with 45 VTs) or without (control group = 25 patients with 36 VTs) predeployment of a multielectrode basket catheter composed of 64 electrodes. Deployment of the multielectrode basket catheter was possible and safe in all 25 patients in the basket group. Ablation was successful in 25 (100%) of 25 patients in the basket group and in 22 (88%) of 25 patients in the control group. The total number of RF applications and the number of RF applications per PVC morphology did not differ between the two groups. However, both the fluoroscopic and ablation procedure times per PVC morphology were shorter in the basket group than in the control group (36.8+/-14.1 min vs 52.0+/-32.5 min, P = 0.04; 60.0+/-14.6 vs 81.5+/-51.2 min, P = 0.05). This difference was more pronounced in the 29 patients in whom VT or PVC was not frequently observed. CONCLUSION: The multielectrode basket catheter is safe and useful for determining the optimal ablation site in patients with idiopathic VT originating from the RVOT, especially in those without frequent VT or PVC.

Activation Analysis↗
PubMed2001

Localized right ventricular morphological abnormalities detected by electron-beam computed tomography represent arrhythmogenic substrates in patients with the Brugada syndrome.

AIMS: This study was designed to determine, using electron-beam CT, whether there are morphological abnormalities in patients with the Brugada syndrome and to elucidate the relationship between those abnormalities and arrhythmogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-six consecutive patients with the Brugada syndrome and 23 age- and gender-matched control subjects (controls) were evaluated for morphological abnormalities using electron beam CT. Electron beam CT demonstrated morphological abnormalities of the right ventricle in 21 (81%) of 26 patients, but in only two (9%) of 23 controls. The sites of morphological abnormalities were the right ventricular outflow tract area in 17 patients and the inferior wall of the right ventricle in four patients. Of the seven patients with monoform premature ventricular contractions recorded only in the acute phase, four of the five patients with premature ventricular contractions from the right ventricular outflow tract area had morphological abnormalities in the right ventricular outflow tract area, and the other two patients with premature ventricular contractions from the inferior wall of the right ventricle had morphological abnormalities in the inferior wall of the right ventricle. CONCLUSION: The sites of morphological abnormalities detected by electron beam CT in patients with the Brugada syndrome were related to the origins of premature ventricular contractions recorded only in the acute phase, which may trigger ventricular fibrillation. These morphological abnormalities may be related to arrhythmogenic substrates in patients with the Brugada syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Negative pressure rewarming vs. forced air warming in hypothermic postanesthetic volunteers.

We compared changes in core temperature and systemic heat balance with a new negative pressure/warming device (Vital Heat(R) ) that uses negative pressure combined with heat to facilitate warming in vasoconstricted postoperative patients to those resulting from passive insulation or forced air. Seven healthy volunteers were anesthetized and cooled to a tympanic membrane temperature near 34 degrees C. Anesthesia was discontinued and shivering was prevented by using meperidine. The vasoconstricted volunteers were rewarmed for 2 h using three randomly assigned methods: 1) Vital Heat plus cotton blanket; 2) one layer of cotton blanket; 3) forced-air warming. Thermal flux was recorded from 15 skin-surface sites; metabolic heat production was estimated from total body oxygen consumption. Metabolic heat production remained constant throughout the study. Systemic heat loss remained constant during warming with cotton blankets but decreased significantly during the other treatments. Systemic heat balance increased significantly more with forced air (140 +/- 21 kcal) than with Vital Heat (66 +/- 19 kcal) or cotton blankets (47 +/- 18 kcal). Core temperature increased no faster with Vital Heat warming (1.3 +/- 0.4 degrees C) than with a cotton blanket (1.2 +/- 0.4 degrees C). In contrast, core temperature increased more rapidly with forced air warming (2.6 +/- 0.6 degrees C). In this study we show that calories from a negative pressure rewarming device are largely constrained to the forearm and that heat does not flow to the core thermal compartment.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Receptor for advanced glycation end products mediates inflammation and enhanced expression of tissue factor in vasculature of diabetic apolipoprotein E-null mice.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their cell surface receptor, RAGE, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Here, we studied the role of RAGE and expression of its proinflammatory ligands, EN-RAGEs (S100/calgranulins), in inflammatory events mediating cellular activation in diabetic tissue. Apolipoprotein E-null mice were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin at 6 weeks of age. Compared with nondiabetic aortas and kidneys, diabetic aortas and kidneys displayed increased expression of RAGE, EN-RAGEs, and 2 key markers of vascular inflammation, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and tissue factor. Administration of soluble RAGE, the extracellular domain of the receptor, or vehicle to diabetic mice for 6 weeks suppressed levels of VCAM-1 and tissue factor in the aorta, in parallel with decreased expression of RAGE and EN-RAGEs. Diabetic kidney demonstrated increased numbers of EN-RAGE-expressing inflammatory cells infiltrating the glomerulus and enhanced mRNA for transforming growth factor-beta, fibronectin, and alpha(1) (IV) collagen. In mice treated with soluble RAGE, the numbers of infiltrating inflammatory cells and mRNA levels for these glomerular cytokines and components of extracellular matrix were decreased. These data suggest that activation of RAGE primes cells targeted for perturbation in diabetic tissues by the induction of proinflammatory mediators.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

5S rRNA binding proteins from the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Pyrococcus furiosus.

A determination was made of the nucleotide sequence of the 2719 bp region of a ribosomal protein gene cluster (PfeL32-PfeL19-PfL18-PfS5-PfL30) containing a 5S rRNA binding protein L18 homolog of hyperthermophilic archaea Pyrococcus furiosus. The organization of the archaeal ribosomal protein gene cluster is similar to that in the spc-operon of Escherichia coli (L6-L18-S5-L30-L15) but has two additional genes, namely those encoding PfeL32 and PfeL19, which were identified as extra proteins that are apparently not present in bacterial E. coli. Using an inducible expression system, P. furiosus mature PfL18 protein and a mutant PfL18 with the basic N-terminal amino acid region deleted were produced in large amounts in E. coli and Northwestern analysis showed the N-terminal region of PfL18, including the conserved arginine-rich region, to have a significant role in 5S rRNA-PfL18 interaction.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Mode of onset of ventricular fibrillation in patients with Brugada syndrome detected by implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to demonstrate the mode of spontaneous onset of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with Brugada syndrome. BACKGROUND: The electrophysiologic mechanisms of VF in Brugada syndrome have not been fully investigated. METHODS: Nineteen patients (all male, mean age 47 +/- 12 years) with Brugada syndrome were treated with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The implanted devices were capable of storing electrograms during an arrhythmic event. We investigated the mode of spontaneous onset of VF according to the electrocardiographic features during the episode of VF, which were obtained from stored electrograms of ICDs and/or electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. RESULTS: During a follow-up of 34.7 +/- 19.4 months (range 14 to 81 months), 46 episodes of spontaneous VF attacks were documented in 7/19 (37%) patients. The event-free period between ICD implantation and the first spontaneous occurrence of VF was 14.6 +/- 12.1 months (range 3.7 to 27.4 months). We investigated 33/46 episodes of VF, for which electrocardiographic features (10 to 20 s before and during VF) were obtained from ICDs and/or ECG monitoring in five patients. A total of 22/33 episodes of VF were preceded by premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), which were almost identical to the initiating PVCs of VF. Furthermore, in three patients who had multiple VF episodes, VF attacks were always initiated by the same respective PVC. The coupling interval of the initiating PVCs of VF was 388 +/- 28 ms. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous episodes of VF in patients with Brugada syndrome were triggered by specific PVCs. These findings may provide important insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms causing VF in Brugada syndrome.

Bundle-Branch Block↗
PubMed2000

Blockade of RAGE-amphoterin signalling suppresses tumour growth and metastases.

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), a multi-ligand member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface molecules, interacts with distinct molecules implicated in homeostasis, development and inflammation, and certain diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Engagement of RAGE by a ligand triggers activation of key cell signalling pathways, such as p21ras, MAP kinases, NF-kappaB and cdc42/rac, thereby reprogramming cellular properties. RAGE is a central cell surface receptor for amphoterin, a polypeptide linked to outgrowth of cultured cortical neurons derived from developing brain. Indeed, the co-localization of RAGE and amphoterin at the leading edge of advancing neurites indicated their potential contribution to cellular migration, and in pathologies such as tumour invasion. Here we demonstrate that blockade of RAGE-amphoterin decreased growth and metastases of both implanted tumours and tumours developing spontaneously in susceptible mice. Inhibition of the RAGE-amphoterin interaction suppressed activation of p44/p42, p38 and SAP/JNK MAP kinases; molecular effector mechanisms importantly linked to tumour proliferation, invasion and expression of matrix metalloproteinases.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Effect of sodium channel blockers on ST segment, QRS duration, and corrected QT interval in patients with Brugada syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Brugada syndrome is characterized by an ST segment elevation in leads V1-V3 and a high incidence of ventricular fibrillation (VF). A mutation in a cardiac Na+ channel gene, SCN5A, has been linked to Brugada syndrome, and sodium channel blockers have been shown to be effective in unmasking the syndrome when concealed. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Na+ channel blockers on ST segment elevation, QRS, corrected QT (QTc) interval, and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with Brugada syndrome. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined the effects of three different Na+ channel blockers (flecainide, disopyramide, and mexiletine) on the amplitude of the ST segment 20 msec after the end of QRS (ST20), QRS duration, QTc interval measured from 12-lead ECG, and ventricular arrhythmias in 12 Brugada and 10 control patients. Maximum ST20 observed in the V2 or V3 leads under baseline conditions was greater in the Brugada patients than in control patients, whereas QRS duration and maximum QTc interval were no different between the two groups. Flecainide and disopyramide, but not mexiletine, significantly increased maximum ST20 and QRS duration in both groups, although these effects were much more pronounced in the Brugada patients. The increases in ST20 and QRS duration with flecainide were significantly larger than those with disopyramide. An increase of 0.15 mV in ST20 with flecainide separated the two groups without overlap. Ventricular premature complexes developed only with flecainide in Brugada patients (3/12) displaying a marked ST elevation but not widening of QRS. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that Na+ channel blockers amplify existing I(Na) and possibly other ion channel defects, with a potency inversely proportional to the rate of dissociation of the drug from the Na+ channel, thus causing a prominent elevation of the ST segment and, in some cases, prolongation of QRS duration in patients with Brugada syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

RAGE: a multiligand receptor contributing to the cellular response in diabetic vasculopathy and inflammation.

RAGE is a multiligand member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface molecules whose properties extend the paradigm of ligand-receptor interactions. The receptor recognizes families of ligands with diverse structural features, such as advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), amyloidogenic peptides/polypeptides, amphoterins, and S100/calgranulins rather than individual species. Engagement of RAGE by its ligands upregulates the receptor and initiates a cycle of sustained cellular perturbation; increased levels of RAGE on the cell surface make it an ideal target for subsequent ligand interactions and for propagating cellular dysfunction. At this time, the only means known to break this apparently vicious cycle appears to be blocking access to RAGE or removing the ligands. Taken together, these data suggest that RAGE has the potential to function as a progression factor in a range of disorders (AGEs are relevant to diabetes and other settings of oxidant stress, amyloidogenic peptides are relevant to amyloidoses, S100/calgranulins are relevant to inflammatory disorders, etc.) in which its ligands accumulate. The chronic juxtaposition of ligand and receptor triggers sustained cellular perturbation favoring mechanisms eventuating in tissue injury rather than those that would restore homeostasis.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Case-control study on self-reported osteoporotic fractures and mandibular cortical bone.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this case-control study was to determine whether the radiographic appearance of the mandibular cortical bone in patients who were elderly and noninstitutionalized was related to a self-reported history of osteoporotic fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Patients who had a billing statement at the School of Dentistry dated between 1993 and 1996, who were older than 60, and who had a panoramic radiograph were invited to be interviewed regarding fracture history (circumstances and year of fracture) and risk factors for osteoporosis. Cases (n = 93) were individuals reporting osteoporotic fractures (fractures occurring after minor impact). Controls (n = 394) were individuals reporting traumatic fractures (n = 105) or no fractures (n = 289). Blinded to case-control status, we evaluated the mandibular cortex on a panoramic radiograph and classified them as normal (even and sharp endosteal margin), moderately eroded (evidence of lacunar resorption or endosteal cortical residues), or severely eroded (unequivocal porosity). In addition, cortical thickness was measured below the mental foramen. RESULTS: After adjustment for potentially confounding factors, the odds ratio for an osteoporotic fracture associated with moderately eroded and severely eroded mandibular cortices was 2.0 (95% CI, 1.2 to 3.3) and 8.0 (95% CI, 2.0 to 28.9), respectively. After adjusting for all potentially confounding factors, we found that the cortex was 0.54 mm (or 12%) thinner in subjects with an osteoporotic fracture compared with controls (95% CI, 0.25 to 0.84 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with a self-reported history of osteoporotic fractures tend to have increased resorption and thinning of the mandibular lower cortex.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Mutations modulating the Argos-regulated signaling pathway in Drosophila eye development.

Argos is a secreted protein that contains an EGF-like domain and acts as an inhibitor of Drosophila EGF receptor activation. To identify genes that function in the Argos-regulated signaling pathway, we performed a genetic screen for enhancers and suppressors of the eye phenotype caused by the overexpression of argos. As a result, new alleles of known genes encoding components of the EGF receptor pathway, such as Star, sprouty, bulge, and clown, were isolated. To study the role of clown in development, we examined the eye and wing phenotypes of the clown mutants in detail. In the eye discs of clown mutants, the pattern of neuronal differentiation was impaired, showing a phenotype similar to those caused by a gain-of-function EGF receptor mutation and overexpression of secreted Spitz, an activating ligand for the EGF receptor. There was also an increased number of pigment cells in the clown eyes. Epistatic analysis placed clown between argos and Ras1. In addition, we found that clown negatively regulated the development of wing veins. These results suggest that the clown gene product is important for the Argos-mediated inhibition of EGF receptor activation during the development of various tissues. In addition to the known genes, we identified six mutations of novel genes. Genetic characterization of these mutants suggested that they have distinct roles in cell differentiation and/or survival regulated by the EGF receptor pathway.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Temperature monitoring and management during neuraxial anesthesia: an observational study.

UNLABELLED: Temperature monitoring and thermal management are rare during spinal or epidural anesthesia because clinicians apparently restrict monitoring to patients with an expected risk of hypothermia. This implies that anesthesiologists can predict patient thermal status without monitoring core temperature. We therefore, tested the hypotheses that during neuraxial anesthesia: 1) amount of core hypothermia depends on the magnitude and duration of surgery; 2) temperature monitoring and thermal management are used selectively in patients at high risk of hypothermia; and 3) anesthesiologists can estimate patient thermal status. We evaluated thermal status on arrival in the recovery room along with intraoperative thermal management and monitoring in 120 patients. Anesthesiologists were asked if their patients were hypothermic (<36 degrees C). There was no correlation between the magnitude or duration of surgery and initial postoperative core temperature in unwarmed patients. Temperature monitoring and thermal management were not used selectively in high-risk patients. Initial postoperative tympanic membrane temperatures were <36 degrees C in 77% of patients and <35 degrees C in 22%. Body temperature was monitored intraoperatively in 27% of the patients and forced-air warming was used in 31%. Anesthesiologists failed to accurately estimate whether their patients were hypothermic. Our results suggest that temperature monitoring and management during neuraxial anesthesia is currently inadequate. IMPLICATIONS: In this observational study, we evaluated core temperatures and intraoperative thermal management in patients undergoing spinal or epidural anesthesia. Hypothermia was common, however, rarely detected either by temperature monitoring or estimates by anesthesiologists. In addition, it was not treated with active warming. Consequently, temperature monitoring and management have to be done during neuraxial anesthesia.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Clinical characteristics of patients with spontaneous or inducible ventricular fibrillation without apparent heart disease presenting with J wave and ST segment elevation in inferior leads.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical characteristics of three patients with spontaneous or inducible ventricular fibrillation (VF) without apparent heart disease, who presented with J wave and ST segment elevation in inferior leads, are described. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients were male and experienced syncope. Their symptoms occurred at night or early in the morning. Holter ECG revealed infrequent premature ventricular complexes. Injection with disopyramide 2 mg/kg augmented ST segment elevation. CONCLUSION: These characteristics were very similar to those of patients with Brugada syndrome. These three patients with these specific features might have a variant of Brugada syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Recovery time dispersion measured from 87-lead body surface potential mapping as a predictor of sustained ventricular tachycardia in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical usefulness of QT dispersion in 12-lead ECG has been controversial in identifying subjects at risk for sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We hypothesized that increasing the spatial resolution of the ECG improves the accuracy of risk stratification. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of recovery time dispersion measured from 87-lead body surface potential mapping (BSPM) to identify patients at risk for sustained VT in idiopathic DCM. METHODS AND RESULTS: We obtained 87-lead BSPM and 12-lead ECG in 33 patients with idiopathic DCM (15 patients with a history of sustained VT [VT(+) group] and 18 patients without a history of sustained VT [VT(-) group]) and in 20 normal control subjects. We measured the corrected QT dispersion and corrected recovery time dispersion from 12-lead ECG (QTc-12 dispersion and RTc-12 dispersion, respectively) and 87-lead BSPM (QTc-87 dispersion and RTc-87 dispersion, respectively). Signal-averaged ECG also was recorded in 25 patients. Neither the QTc-12 nor QTc-87 dispersion discriminated between the VT(+) and VT(-) groups patients. The VT(+) group patients had a larger but insignificant RTc-12 dispersion than the VT(-) group patients. In contrast, the RTc-87 dispersion was significantly larger in the VT(+) group patients than in the VT(-) group patients (236 +/- 39 msec vs 184 +/- 28 msec, P < 0.001). Receiver operating curve analysis indicated that the RTc-87 dispersion was as good as late potentials in predicting susceptibility to sustained VT; its sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value were 73%, 76%, and 76%, respectively (cutoff value 200 msec). RTc-87 dispersion >200 msec combined with positive late potentials provide high sensitivity (92%) and high negative predictive value (88%) for sustained VT. CONCLUSION: The RTc-87 dispersion is a useful tool to identify subjects at risk for sustained VT in patients with idiopathic DCM.

Body Surface Potential Mapping↗