A Simple Electrocardiographic Predictor of Early Recovery of Left Ventricular Function in Stress Cardiomyopathy

Objective: To identify electrocardiographic parameters that predict extent of early improvement in ejection fraction (EF) in patients with stress cardiomyopathy. Methods: We collected baseline clinical, ECG and imaging data and follow up echocardiography data on 30 consecutive patients with stress cardiomyopathy. The relationship between baseline ECG parameters and Delta EF was evaluated by univariate and multivariable analysis. Results: Median EF improved from 35% to 55% (p < 0.0001). Delta EF showed negative correlation with number of leads with T inversion (p = 0.01) and QT interval (p = 0.02). The number of leads with T inversion was independently associated with Delta EF (coefficient −4.878, p = 0.04). Conclusion: The number of leads with T wave inversion is negatively correlated with and is an independent predictor of the extent of early improvement of EF in patients with stress cardiomyopathy. Hence the ECG at initial presentation can be used as a simple tool to predict LV function recovery.