The utility of fragmented QRS in association with strain echocardiography in predicting significant coronary artery stenosis.

INTRODUCTION

Fragmented QRS (fQRS) on a 12-lead ECG indicates electrical conduction disruption due to various cardiac issues, including coronary artery disease (CAD). This study investigated whether combining fQRS and reduced myocardial strain could predict significant CAD.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients with fQRS on surface ECG who underwent coronary angiography. The left ventricular strain was assessed using 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography.

RESULTS

We enrolled 55 patients with fQRS and significant CAD (≥70% coronary artery stenosis) and 55 control patients (≤30% stenosis). The strain was significantly reduced in segments with fQRS and significant CAD compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

In patients with CAD, the combination of fQRS in any ECG lead and reduced strain can predict the presence and location of a coronary artery with greater than 70% stenosis.