Abstract

BACKGROUND
P wave dispersion(PWD) is defined as the difference between the maximum and minimal P wave duration in any of the 12 leads of the surface ECG. The prolongation of atrial conduction time and the inhomogeneous propagation of sinus impulse are known electrophysiologic features in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(PAF). The purpose of this study was to determine the role of P wave dispersion for the prediction of PAF and to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic antiarrhythmic therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population included 20 patients with a history of idiopathic PAF and 20 age and sex matched healthy control subjects. We measured the maximum P wave duration(P maximum) and P wave dispersion from 12 lead ECG. RESULTS: P maximum and P dispersion in idiopathic PAF were significantly higher than normal control group(97.2+/-12, 48.5+/-9msec vs, 76.5+/-11, 21+/-8msec, respectively p<0.001, <0.001). After 12-month follow up period P maximum and P dispersion were significantly reduced than those of initial state(77.2+/-13, 26.4+/-9msec vs. 97.2+/-12, 48.5+/-9msec, respectively p<0.001,<0.001). CONCLUSION: P dispersion and P maximum were significantly different between patients with idiopathic PAF and healthy control group. Those are easily accessible, non-invasive simple electrocadiographic markers that could be used for the prediction and prognostic factors of idiopathic PAF.

• Keywords: P wave dispersion;Atrial fibrillation;