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Applicability of the Electro-Vectorcardiogram in Current Clinical Practice

Abstract

The electrocardiogram (ECG) has been reinvigorated by the identification of electrical alterations that were not definitely clarified before. In this context, and mainly regarding the definition of arrhythmogenic substrates, the association of the ECG with the vectorcardiogram (VCG) has gathered much more information about the cardiac electrical phenomena, thus allowing us to differentiate potentially fatal cases from benign ones. Obtaining a VCG concomitantly with the performance of an ECG has led to a significant gain in the definition of extremely sophisticated pathologies, which function suffer some type of structural or dynamic alterations, involving either the reduction or enhancement of ionic channels and currents.

The classic aspects of the ECG/VCG association in the differential diagnosis of myocardial infarctions, conduction disorders, atrial and ventricular hypertrophies, and the correlations between these electrical disorders are still valid and assertive. The association of these pathologies is further clarified when they are seen through the ECG/VCG dyad.

The three-dimensional spatial orientation of both the atrial and the ventricular activity provides a far more complete observation tool than the ECG linear form. The modern analysis of the ECG and its respective VCG, simultaneously obtained by the recent technique called electro-vectorcardiogram (ECG/VCG), brought a significant gain for the differential diagnosis of some pathologies. Therefore, we illustrate how this type of analysis can elucidate some of the most important diagnoses found in our daily clinical practice as cardiologists.

Keywords
Electrocardiography/methods; Vectocardiography/methods; Electrophysiological Phenomena; Internal Medicine/methods

Resumo

O eletrocardiograma (ECG) foi revigorado com o reconhecimento de alterações elétricas que ainda não haviam sido observadas de maneira definitiva. Nesse contexto, principalmente na definição dos substratos arritmogênicos, a associação do ECG com o vetorcardiograma (VCG) propiciou mais informações sobre os fenômenos elétricos cardíacos, possibilitando distinguir os casos potencialmente fatais dos benignos. A obtenção de um VCG ao mesmo tempo da realização do ECG trouxe um ganho muito importante para definir patologias extremamente sofisticadas, com alterações estruturais ou dinâmicas que envolvem canais e correntes iônicas, cujas funções são diminuídas ou exageradas em razão de mutações genéticas.

Os aspectos clássicos da relação ECG/VCG no diagnóstico diferencial das áreas inativas, dos distúrbios de condução, das sobrecargas atriais e ventriculares e das associações entre esses distúrbios elétricos continuam vigentes e assertivos, e ficam mais claros quando vistos pelo binômio ECG/VCG. Além disso, a orientação espacial tridimensional das atividades atrial e ventricular cria uma ferramenta de observação muito mais completa do que o modo linear do ECG.

A análise moderna do ECG e do respectivo VCG, obtidos simultaneamente pela técnica recente chamada de eletrovetorcardiograma (ECG/VCG), trouxe um ganho importante no diagnóstico diferencial de algumas patologias. Desse modo, são abordadas aqui as principais utilidades dessa análise na elucidação de diagnósticos importantes da atividade diária na clínica cardiológica.

Palavras-chave
Eletrocardiografia/métodos; Vetocardiografia/métodos; Fenômenos Eletrofisiológicos; Medicina Interna/métodos

Introduction

The study of vectorcardiography began during the 1940's and publications reached a peak between the 1960's and 1970's, correlating this method with the heart diseases best known at that time. The great difficulty then was linked to the fact that the VCG device could not be easily moved around. The images were thus not immediately obtained, and so the vectorcardiogram was a tool to be used a posteriori to resolve doubts about specific electrocardiograms in some special situations. Additionally, the advent of echocardiography and its later improvement, as well as the emergence of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, led to a decreased use of both the electrocardiogram and, mainly, of the vectorcardiogram from the 1980's until the end of the 1990's. This temporal gap, associated to a diminished interest in electrovectorcardiography, resulted in a significant decrease in the number of cardiology centers capable of performing and interpreting a vectorcardiogram.

However, with the development of invasive electrophysiology (electroanatomic mapping), genetics and molecular biology, many electrical conditions have been unveiled, resulting in the identification of their clinical/electrocardiographic patterns, since such conditions can lead to sudden death.11 Moffa PJ, Sanches PCR. Eletrocardiograma normal e patológico. 7ª. ed. São Paulo: Rocca; 2001.

2 Strauss DG, Olson CW, Wu KC Heiberg E, Persson E, Selvester RH, et al. Vectorcardiogram synthesized from the 12-lead electrocardiogram to image ischemia. J Electrocardiol. 2009;42(2):190-7.

3 Bayes de Luna A. Clinical electrocardiography: a textbook. 4th. ed. New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell; 2012.

4 Pastore CA, Samesima N, Munerato R. ABC do ECG. 3ª. ed. São Paulo: Medcel; 2013.

5 Gussak I, Antzelevich C, Wilde AAM, Powell BD, Ackerman MJ, Shen WK. Electrical diseases of the heart. London: Springer-Verlag; 2008. v.1.

6 Moss AJ. Can long QT syndrome be diagnosed by vectorcardiography when the corrected QT on the resting 12-lead electrocardiogram is of normal duration? Heart Rhythm. 2017;14(6):900-1.
-77 Cortez D, Schlegel TT, Ackerman MJ, Bos JM. ECG-derived spatial QRS-T angle is strongly associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Electrocardiol. 2017;50(2):195-202.

The technological developments seen during the 1990s also affected electrovectorcardiography. The sophistication brought by the use of computers, algorithmic systems and Fourier transforms allowed us to obtain vectorcardiographic information in a much simpler and quicker form, in color, and as three-dimensional images.

The electrocardiogram (ECG) was therefore reinvigorated by the identification of electrical alterations that had not yet been definitely observed, so that from the year 2000 until the present decade an increasing number of publications related to electrovectorcardiography has been observed. In this context, and mainly regarding the definition of arrhythmogenic substrates, it was observed that the association of the ECG and the vectorcardiogram (VCG) methods could provide much more information about the cardiac electrical phenomena, thus increasing its employment and allowing us to differentiate potentially fatal cases from benign ones.88 Pastore CA, Samesima N, Tobias N, Pereira Filho HG. Eletrocardiografia atual: curso do serviço de eletrocardiografia do inCor. 3ª. ed. São Paulo: Atheneu; 2016.

9 Pastore CA, Samesima N, Pereira Filho HG, Madaloso BA. Controversial and similar aspects of the Brugada and J wave patterns: the vectorcardiogram point of view. J Electrocardiol. 2016;49(3):439-45.
-1010 Lingman M, Hartford M, Karlsson T, Herlitz J, Rubulis A, Caidahl K, et al. Value of the QRS-T area angle in improving the prediction of sudden cardiac death after acute coronary syndromes. Int J Cardiol. 2016 Sep 1;218:1-11.

We now find ourselves in a moment where the performance and reading of the vectorcardiogram is carried out in just a few specific centers around the world. Moreover, our team is involved with the teaching of electrocardiography to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the medical area. Therefore, we feel there is an urgent need to teach vectorcardiography, considering that its spatial visualization of the cardiac electrical activation makes it a lot easier to understand and memorize the basic and more complex electrocardiographic notions.1111 Hurst JW. Methods used to interpret the 12-lead electrocardiogram: pattern memorization versus the use of vector concepts. Clin Cardiol. 2000;23(1):4-13.

Obtaining a VCG concomitantly with the performance of an ECG has led to a significant gain in the definition of extremely sophisticated pathologies, of which genetic mutations cause their function to suffer some type of structural or dynamic alterations, involving either the reduction or enhancement of ionic channels and currents.

The classic aspects of the ECG/VCG association in the differential diagnosis of myocardial infarctions, conduction disorders, atrial and ventricular hypertrophies, and the correlations between these electrical disorders are still valid and assertive.1212 Chou TC. When is the vectorcardiogram superior to the scalar electrocardiogram? J Am Coll Cardiol. 1986;8(4):791-9.,1313 Man S, Maan AC, Schalij MJ, Swenne CA. Vectorcardiographic diagnostic & prognostic information derived from the 12-lead electrocardiogram: historical review and clinical perspective. J Electrocardiol. 2015;48(4):463-75. The association of these pathologies is further clarified when they are seen through the ECG/VCG dyad. (Figure 1)

Figure 1
Electrocardiogram vs. Vectorcardiogram.

Based on the abovementioned facts, during the last decade we were able to develop the performance of the binomial electrovectorcardiogram in the context of the most varied pathologies. This binomial can add sophistication to the already known clinical entities, in addition to a greater accuracy of the recent electrocardiographic definitions (such as Brugada, early repolarization, etc.)

Our experience, both academic and scientific, led us to join these new ECG/VCG acquisitions, and to open a window into the observation of the electrical phenomena of the heart. The literature has shown that the more sophisticated vectorcardiogram makes it easier for us to observe punctual phenomena that are not defined by the ECG.

Limitations

Because there are only a few centers that are capable of performing routine vectorcardiography, there remains no doubt that this comparative study requires specific training, just like any other diagnostic method, through didactic bibliography and distance learning material. The purpose of this publication is guided by the acknowledgement of this situation.

The electrovectorcardiography binomial

The experience with the VCG during these last decades shows the greater specificity and sensitivity of this method to detect the subtleties of these diagnoses. In comparison with the ECG, the VCG shows some advantages; however, when in association, they can help us differentiate between some very ordinary situations in clinical practice.

The three-dimensional spatial orientation of both the atrial and the ventricular activity provides a far more complete observation tool than the linear form of the ECG. The modern analysis of the ECG and its respective VCG, simultaneously obtained by the recent technique called electro-vectorcardiogram (ECG/VCG), brought a significant gain for the differential diagnosis of some pathologies.11 Moffa PJ, Sanches PCR. Eletrocardiograma normal e patológico. 7ª. ed. São Paulo: Rocca; 2001.,33 Bayes de Luna A. Clinical electrocardiography: a textbook. 4th. ed. New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell; 2012.,44 Pastore CA, Samesima N, Munerato R. ABC do ECG. 3ª. ed. São Paulo: Medcel; 2013.,88 Pastore CA, Samesima N, Tobias N, Pereira Filho HG. Eletrocardiografia atual: curso do serviço de eletrocardiografia do inCor. 3ª. ed. São Paulo: Atheneu; 2016.,1414 Sedaghat G, Ghafoori E, Waks JW, Kabir MM, Shvilkin A, Josephson ME, et al. Quantitative assessment of vectorcardiographic loop morphology. J Electrocardiol. 2016;49(2):154-63.,1515 Carvalho Filho ET, Moffa PF, Pastore CA, Curiati JÁ et al. Vectorcardiographic study of normal aged subjects. Arq. Bras. Cardiol. 1987;48(4):211-6. (Figure 2)

Figure 2
Electrical activation of the heart and its projection in the three spatial planes, thus giving origin to the vectorcardiographic loops in the respective planes.

The electro-vectorcardiographic analysis is very rich and consistent for the diagnosis of myocardial infarctions (MI), since the difficulties in defining pathological Q waves or the loss of R waves in the ECG can be very clearly visualized in the ECG/VCG. This association helps us to define the real changes in the direction and orientation of the vectorcardiographic loops created by the areas of myocardial infarction, in both the transverse and the frontal planes.1616 Sederholm M. The origin of monitoring of acute myocardial infarction with continuous vectorcardiography. J Electrocardiol. 2014;47(4):418-24.

17 Correa R, Arini PD, Correa LS, Valentinuzzi M, Laciar E. Identification of patients with myocardial infarction. Vectorcardiographic and electrocardiographic analysis. Methods Inf Med. 2016;55(3):242-9.
-1818 Warner RA, Battaglia J, Hill NE, Mookherjee S, Smulyan H. Importance of the terminal portion of the QRS in the electrocardiographic diagnosis of inferior myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol. 1985;55(8):896-9. (Figure 3)

Figure 3
(A) Presence of myocardial infarction area in the inferior wall, with QRS vectorcardiographic loop onset oriented upwardly and to the left. (B) Aspect of a large myocardial infarction area from V1 to V6 and its respective loop in the transverse plane, with anomalous activation of the septum and exaggerated backward rotation, followed by deformation of the QRS loop.

Another important differential aspect obtained by the electro-vectorcardiogram is the investigation of the presence of a myocardial infarction area in the inferior wall, of a left superior fascicular block, or the association of both pathologies. The association of MIs with the presence of fascicular or troncular blocks can be fully characterized by the ECG/VCG association. The inferior MIs with a left anterosuperior fascicular block (LASFB), and the anterior MIs with a right bundle-branch block (RBBB) are typical examples of the importance of the ECG/VCG association for a differential diagnosis.1919 Pastore CA, Moffa PJ, Tobias NMO, Moraes AP, Nishioka SA, Chierighini JEC, et al. Bloqueios divisionais do ramo direito e áreas eletricamente inativas. Diagnóstico diferencial eletro-vetocardiográfico. Arq. Bras. Cardiol. 1985;45(5):309-17.,2020 Tobias NMMO, Pastore CA, Moffa PJ, Moraes AP, Lima EV, Del Nero Jr E, et al. Bloqueios divisionais do ramo direito na miocardiopatia chagásica. Arq. Bras. Cardiol. 1986;47(6):387-91. (Figures 3A and 4A and B)

Figure 4
Aspects of the VCG loops in the Inferior MI (in Fig. 3A of the previous item, note the QRS loop onset upwardly in the frontal plane, with more than 30 ms duration [15 comets]); in Figure 4A – LASFB, observe the QRS loop onset downwardly (through the posterior-inferior division), with counterclockwise rotation and the major portion of the loop oriented upwardly and to the left; and in Figure 4B - LASFB + inferior MI, the association of the two entities; note that the QRS loop in the frontal plane is directed upwardly, with clockwise rotation, and after 30 ms it changes its orientation, with counterclockwise rotation characterizing the LASFB.

The spatial orientation of the fascicular blocks can be better understood through the electro-vectorcardiogram. The septal vector orientation and the direction of the vectorcardiographic loop activation neatly characterize the fascicular blocks and their associations through the ECG/VCG, since they define the electrical path of this phenomenon, thus characterizing exactly the position of the blocks.2121 Acunzo RS, Konopka IV, Sanchéz RA, Pizzarelli N, Wells FC, Baranchuk A, et al. Right bundle branch block and middle septal fiber block with or without left anterior fascicular block manifested as aberrant conduction in apparent healthy individuals: electro-vectorcardiographic characterization. J Electrocardiol. 2013;46(2):167-72.

22 Tranchesi J, Moffa PJ, Pastore CA, Carvalho Filho ET, Tobias NMM, Scalabrini Neto A, et al. Bloqueio da divisão anteromedial do ramo esquerdo do feixe de His nas coronariopatias: caracterização vectorcardiográfica. Arq. Bras. Cardiol. 1979;32(6):355-60.

23 Pastore CA, Moffa PJ, Grinberg M, Verginelli G, Ebaid M, Tranchesi J. Bloqueio da divisão posteroinferior em pós-operatório de comissurotomia aórtica e ressecção de anel fibroso subvalvar. Correlação com bloqueio atrioventricular total (relatos de casos). Arq. Bras. Cardiol. 1979;32(5):303-7.
-2424 Moffa PJ, Ferreira BMA, Sanches PCR, Tobias NMM, Pastore CA, Bellotti G. Bloqueio divisional anteromedial intermitente em paciente com insuficiência coronária. Arq Bras Cardiol. 1997;68(4):293-6. (Figures 4A and 5(A and B)

Figure 5
Electro-vectorcardiographic aspects of LASFB - Fig. 4A of the previous item, left posteroinferior fascicular block (LPIFB) - Figure 5A and left anteromedial fascicular block (LAMFB) - Figure 5B.

The VCG complements the ECG in the analysis of acute myocardial infarctions and makes the differential diagnosis of the associations with blocks and chamber hypertrophies. There is no doubt that the most ordinary situations in the cardiological routine, such as absent or exaggerated R waves from V1 to V3, require a more sophisticated definition in this region that depicts many expressions of different pathologies. Therefore, in this region the ECG/VCG is capable of characterizing the presence of: 2222 Tranchesi J, Moffa PJ, Pastore CA, Carvalho Filho ET, Tobias NMM, Scalabrini Neto A, et al. Bloqueio da divisão anteromedial do ramo esquerdo do feixe de His nas coronariopatias: caracterização vectorcardiográfica. Arq. Bras. Cardiol. 1979;32(6):355-60.

23 Pastore CA, Moffa PJ, Grinberg M, Verginelli G, Ebaid M, Tranchesi J. Bloqueio da divisão posteroinferior em pós-operatório de comissurotomia aórtica e ressecção de anel fibroso subvalvar. Correlação com bloqueio atrioventricular total (relatos de casos). Arq. Bras. Cardiol. 1979;32(5):303-7.

24 Moffa PJ, Ferreira BMA, Sanches PCR, Tobias NMM, Pastore CA, Bellotti G. Bloqueio divisional anteromedial intermitente em paciente com insuficiência coronária. Arq Bras Cardiol. 1997;68(4):293-6.

25 Pastore CA, Samesima N, Kaiser E. Vectorcardiographic patterns for differential diagnosis in right end-conduction delay, early repolarisation and Brugada syndrome. J Electrocardiol. 2012; 46:e1-e37.

26 de Micheli A, Iturralde P, Medrano GA. On the electrical manifestations of some heart diseases associated with ventricular preexcitation. Arch Cardiol Mex. 2006;76(Suppl 4):S137-43.
-2727 Titomir LI, Trunov VG, Aidu EA, Sakhnova TA, Blinova EV. New approaches to the diagnosis of left and right ventricular hypertrophy by means of dipolar electrocardiotopography. Anadolu Kardiyol Derg. 2007;7(Suppl 1):29-31. (Figures 5B, 6[A, B, C and D])

Figure 6
Illustrations of differential diagnoses identified by the ECG/VCG in different pathologies: left anteromedial fascicular block (LAMFB) - see Fig.5B; right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) - Figure 6A; lateral infarction - Figure 6B.

Figure 6
Illustrations of differential diagnoses identified by the ECG/VCG in different pathologies: left anteromedial fascicular block (LAMFB) - see Fig.5B; ventricular pre-excitation syndrome (WPW) - Figure 6C; Brugada syndrome - Figure 6D.

  • a) Left anteromedial fascicular block (LMFB)

  • b) Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH)

  • c) Lateral infarction

  • d) Ventricular pre-excitation syndrome (WPW)

  • e) Brugada syndrome

The ECG/VCG is the gold standard to identify complete and fascicular blocks, because it can differentiate them either in isolation or in association with other blocks. The electrical path marked by the ventricular activation loops can identify the blocks, as well as other associations.2121 Acunzo RS, Konopka IV, Sanchéz RA, Pizzarelli N, Wells FC, Baranchuk A, et al. Right bundle branch block and middle septal fiber block with or without left anterior fascicular block manifested as aberrant conduction in apparent healthy individuals: electro-vectorcardiographic characterization. J Electrocardiol. 2013;46(2):167-72.,2323 Pastore CA, Moffa PJ, Grinberg M, Verginelli G, Ebaid M, Tranchesi J. Bloqueio da divisão posteroinferior em pós-operatório de comissurotomia aórtica e ressecção de anel fibroso subvalvar. Correlação com bloqueio atrioventricular total (relatos de casos). Arq. Bras. Cardiol. 1979;32(5):303-7.,2828 Pérez-Riera AR, Barbosa-Barros R, Daminello-Raimundo R, de Abreu LC, Tonussi Mendes JE, Nikus K. Left posterior fascicular block, state-of-the-art review: a 2018 update. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J. 2018;18(6):217-30. (Figure 7)

Figure 7
Vectorcardiographic aspects of the association of LPIFB and RBBB: axis to the right in the frontal plane (LPIFB), with most of the QRS loop in the frontal plane, oriented downwardly and to the left, and the QRS loop in the transverse plane, slowly ending forwardly and to the right (RBBB).

The end-conduction delays, previously denominated incomplete right bundle-branch blocks, are neatly defined by the ECG/VCG. These findings can be mistaken for the left phenomena and also can mimic a myocardial infarction area. Thus, the association of ECG/VCG solves the doubts that arise from the presence of these delays, which can be either the variants from the normal, or even suggest a conduction disorder in specific areas of the right ventricle.

The presence of the end-conduction delay (ECD) is clarified in the ECG/VCG by the S1S2S3 pattern, with the S wave in D2 greater than the one in D3, qR in aVR and presence of S wave from V1 to V6. The ECG/VCG confirms the ECD position backwardly and to the right in the transverse plane, and upwardly and to the right in the frontal plane.2525 Pastore CA, Samesima N, Kaiser E. Vectorcardiographic patterns for differential diagnosis in right end-conduction delay, early repolarisation and Brugada syndrome. J Electrocardiol. 2012; 46:e1-e37. (Figure 8)

Figure 8
Electro-vectorcardiographic aspects of the end-conduction delay.

One of the definitive identifications obtained by the ECG/VCG association is that of the presence of a ventricular pre-excitation (WPW). The presence of the delta wave is very clearly seen in the beginning of the QRS loop by the proximity of the comets at the onset of the QRS loop, characterizing the delay caused by the accessory pathway, thus also establishing the position of the anomalous bundle at the valvular annulus.2626 de Micheli A, Iturralde P, Medrano GA. On the electrical manifestations of some heart diseases associated with ventricular preexcitation. Arch Cardiol Mex. 2006;76(Suppl 4):S137-43. (Figure 9 [A and B])

Figure 9
(A and B). Electro-vectorcardiographic aspects of the ventricular pre-excitation, highlighting the presence of the delta wave (arrows).

One of the most recent diagnostic achievements of the ECG/VCG refers to the criteria to establish Brugada syndrome patterns, as well as the early repolarization (ER) phenomenon. It is important to emphasize that, in typical cases, there are no difficulties to make the electro-vectorcardiographic identification of both conditions. Due to the severity of the first, to the variability of the second between normal cases and other pathologies, and also to the possibility of having an early repolarization pattern located in a more anterior area, it became essential to make an adequate distinction between them. From the ECG/VCG viewpoint, there are no guidelines set to date to identify J-wave abnormalities. Specific ECG/VCG patterns of the J-wave abnormalities, namely the Brugada syndrome (BrS), and the early repolarization pattern (RP) were studied by our research team. An important qualitative and quantitative analysis of the ECG/VCG was carried out in all the study population, specifically regarding aspects of the area comprising the terminal portion of the QRS loop, the J point and the ST segment. This analysis showed a neat end-conduction delay (ECD) in all the individuals (in both the BrS and the RP groups). This ECD is characterized by a conduction delay greater than 10 ms at the final portion of the QRS in all the planes, either to the right or to the left (slowing of the comets, which tend to get closer and, eventually, to merge).

In the transverse plane, the QRS loops showed a counterclockwise rotation, with the ECD beginning posteriorly and ending anteriorly, with the main difference between the groups being the ECD position.

In BrS type 1 patients (Figure 6D) we see a counterclockwise rotation of the terminal QRS segment, J point and onset of the ST segment around the medial portion, resembling a "nose" in profile. The ECD position was in the right quadrant in all BrS patients and its duration was significantly longer. A greater than or equal to 30 ms ECD had 100% sensitivity and 77% specificity to diagnose Brugada syndrome. The BrS group showed a break at the end of the QRS loop right after the ECD, which resembled a "nose", right before the onset of the T-wave loop. This "nose" pattern was present in all the BrS type 1 patients.

In the ER pattern99 Pastore CA, Samesima N, Pereira Filho HG, Madaloso BA. Controversial and similar aspects of the Brugada and J wave patterns: the vectorcardiogram point of view. J Electrocardiol. 2016;49(3):439-45.,2525 Pastore CA, Samesima N, Kaiser E. Vectorcardiographic patterns for differential diagnosis in right end-conduction delay, early repolarisation and Brugada syndrome. J Electrocardiol. 2012; 46:e1-e37. (Figure 10) we see a clockwise rotation (terminal portion of the QRS) of the same segments, resembling a "fishhook". In all the ER cases the ECD position was in the left quadrant, with a shorter duration. In 100% of the ER patients, the final portion of the QRS loop showed a fishhook pattern.

Figure 10
Characteristic electro-vectorcardiographic aspects of the early repolarization (ER) pattern: Transverse plane: QRS loop onset with counterclockwise rotation; the ECD began posteriorly and ended anteriorly and in the left quadrant in all ER patients. At the terminal segment of the QRS loop (now with clockwise rotation), 100% of the ER group showed, at the end of QRS loop, a “fishhook” pattern.

Characteristic electro-vectorcardiographic aspects of the type 1 Brugada syndrome (see Figure 6D): transverse plane: QRS loop onset with counterclockwise rotation; ECD began posteriorly and ended anteriorly and in the right quadrant in all BrS patients; BrS showed a "break" at the end of the QRS loop after the ECD, in the terminal segment of the QRS loop, resembling a "nose", right before the T wave loop onset; this "nose" pattern was present in all type 1 BrS patients, but in none of ER patients.

A very important arrhythmogenic pathology, the arrhythmogenic right ventricle cardiomyopathy (ARVC), has an almost definitive assessment tool in the electro-vectorcardiographic diagnosis. The end-conduction delay with low voltage and long duration to the right (forward or slightly backwards) characterizes the phenomenon with great accuracy, with the differential diagnosis being very important, since this pathology may lead to severe arrhythmias. (Figure 11)

Figure 11
Electro-vectorcardiographic aspects found in ARVC, displaying the extremely long conduction delay at the end of the QRS loop.

ARVC sometimes presents with an aspect similar to the RBBB, although with a very low voltage that is different from that block. It can also show an ECD aspect on the right and be slightly backwards. The presence of a negative T wave in V1, V2, V3 and left posteriorly located in the transverse plane of the ECG/VCG is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

The ECG/VCG has been used in the follow-up of the new arrhythmia ablation procedures, as in Brugada syndrome, where it cooperates in characterizing the successful cases and differentiating them from the unsuccessful procedures. The initial and already consecrated experience of the ECG/VCG in the ventricular pre-excitation and in the ablation procedures for this syndrome has brought subsidies for the recently described observations. The Brugada syndrome has shown to be very dynamic regarding its arrhythmogenic substrate, and the ECG/VCG follow-up can be very useful to define this process.2929 Samesima N, Pastore CA, Facin ME. Brugada syndrome ablation: what the vectorcardiogram can tell us? ICE/2017. Portland, EUA [Abstract]. Disponível em: www.electrocardiology.org/images/conferences/ICE_2017/schedule_2017-06-28.pdf.
www.electrocardiology.org/images/confere...
,3030 Pastore CA, Samesima N. Brugada and J wave patterns: the role of vectorcardiography in distinguishing them. In: Brugada after RF ablation: what the vectorcardiogram can tell us? [citado 25 mar. 2019]. Disponível em: www.electrocardiology.org/images/Presentations/VCG-Brugada-Pastore.pdf.
www.electrocardiology.org/images/Present...
(Figure 12).

Figure 12
Evolution of the electro-vectorcardiographic aspects after radiofrequency ablation over time in a patient with ECG-type 1 pattern of Brugada syndrome.

  • Sources of Funding
    There were no external funding sources for this study.
  • Study Association
    This study is not associated with any thesis or dissertation work.
  • Ethics approval and consent to participate
    This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

Appendix

For additional information, please see the online version of this article.

References

  • 1
    Moffa PJ, Sanches PCR. Eletrocardiograma normal e patológico. 7ª. ed. São Paulo: Rocca; 2001.
  • 2
    Strauss DG, Olson CW, Wu KC Heiberg E, Persson E, Selvester RH, et al. Vectorcardiogram synthesized from the 12-lead electrocardiogram to image ischemia. J Electrocardiol. 2009;42(2):190-7.
  • 3
    Bayes de Luna A. Clinical electrocardiography: a textbook. 4th. ed. New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell; 2012.
  • 4
    Pastore CA, Samesima N, Munerato R. ABC do ECG. 3ª. ed. São Paulo: Medcel; 2013.
  • 5
    Gussak I, Antzelevich C, Wilde AAM, Powell BD, Ackerman MJ, Shen WK. Electrical diseases of the heart. London: Springer-Verlag; 2008. v.1.
  • 6
    Moss AJ. Can long QT syndrome be diagnosed by vectorcardiography when the corrected QT on the resting 12-lead electrocardiogram is of normal duration? Heart Rhythm. 2017;14(6):900-1.
  • 7
    Cortez D, Schlegel TT, Ackerman MJ, Bos JM. ECG-derived spatial QRS-T angle is strongly associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Electrocardiol. 2017;50(2):195-202.
  • 8
    Pastore CA, Samesima N, Tobias N, Pereira Filho HG. Eletrocardiografia atual: curso do serviço de eletrocardiografia do inCor. 3ª. ed. São Paulo: Atheneu; 2016.
  • 9
    Pastore CA, Samesima N, Pereira Filho HG, Madaloso BA. Controversial and similar aspects of the Brugada and J wave patterns: the vectorcardiogram point of view. J Electrocardiol. 2016;49(3):439-45.
  • 10
    Lingman M, Hartford M, Karlsson T, Herlitz J, Rubulis A, Caidahl K, et al. Value of the QRS-T area angle in improving the prediction of sudden cardiac death after acute coronary syndromes. Int J Cardiol. 2016 Sep 1;218:1-11.
  • 11
    Hurst JW. Methods used to interpret the 12-lead electrocardiogram: pattern memorization versus the use of vector concepts. Clin Cardiol. 2000;23(1):4-13.
  • 12
    Chou TC. When is the vectorcardiogram superior to the scalar electrocardiogram? J Am Coll Cardiol. 1986;8(4):791-9.
  • 13
    Man S, Maan AC, Schalij MJ, Swenne CA. Vectorcardiographic diagnostic & prognostic information derived from the 12-lead electrocardiogram: historical review and clinical perspective. J Electrocardiol. 2015;48(4):463-75.
  • 14
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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    27 June 2019
  • Date of issue
    July 2019

History

  • Received
    19 Sept 2018
  • Reviewed
    10 Jan 2019
  • Accepted
    13 Feb 2019
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