Electrocardiographic Patterns of Atrial Septal Defects

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the electrocardiographic features of Atrial Septal Defect to establish an association with crochetage pattern and incomplete RBBB. Materials and methods: ASDs of Primum, Secundum and Sinus Venosus type were included in this study. From October 15, 2003 till January 15, 2004, a total of 104 consecutive patients of ASD were studied at Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore. Patients were included in the study after confirmation of Atrial Septal Defect on transesophageal echocardiography. Results: The mean age of the study population was 26.28±11.40 years. Among these 56(53.8%) patients were females and 48(46.2%) patients were males. The study population consisted of 94(90.4%) Secundum ASD patients followed by Sinus Venosus ASD 8(7.7%) patients and Primum ASD in only 2(1.9%) patients. Only 59(56.7%) patients had crochetage pattern in any of the leads while it was absent in 45(43.3%) patients p=0.470. Incomplete RBBB was present in 92(88.4%) patients. It was observed in 2(1.9%) patients in ASD Primum, 82(78.8%) patients in ASD Secundum and 8(7.7%) patients in ASD Sinus Venosus type. P=0.483.Conclusion: Although we did not observe a statistically significant association between crochetage pattern or incomplete RBBB and ASD but the presence of any of these two considerably increases the specificity of the ECG for the diagnosis of ASD.