Evaluation of Tpe interval and Tpe/QT ratio in patients with slow coronary flow

OBJECTIVE Slow coronary flow (SCF) phenomenon is described as the delayed opacification of the distal vasculature and angiographically normal coronary arteries. Considerable studies have suggested that the interval from the peak to the end of the electrocardiographic T wave (Tpe) may correspond to the transmural dispersion of repolarization and that increased Tpe interval and Tpe/QT ratio are associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias. In this study, we intended to evaluate ventricular repolarization in patients with SCF by using the Tpe interval and Tpe/QT ratio. METHODS The study population included 33 patients with angiographically proven SCF and 33 control patients with angiographically proven normal coronary arteries without associated SCF. Coronary flow rates of patients and the control group were documented by TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) frame count. From the electrocardiograms, Tpe interval and Tpe/QT ratio were calculated and compared between groups. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of basic characteristics. Mean Tpe interval, Tpe/QT ratio, and Tpe/QTc ratio were prolonged in the study group compared to the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Tpe interval and Tpe/QT ratio were increased in SCF patients.