Ani Nigolian1, Nicolas Dayal1, Haïg Nigolian2, Carine Stettler1, Haran Burri3. 1. Cardiology Department, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. 2. Internal Medicine Department, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. 3. Cardiology Department, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. Electronic address: haran.burri@hcuge.ch.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Handheld ECG event recorders are useful for rhythm monitoring but only record a single lead, which may limit interpretation. We sought to investigate if a multi-lead ECG may be reconstituted using this device, and aimed to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: A commercially-available handheld bipolar ECG event recorder was used to reconstruct a 9-lead ECG (leads I, II and III, V1-6). Tracings were analyzed independently by a cardiologist and a fellow. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients were evaluated. Accuracy was excellent (85-98%) for identifying atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block, bundle branch block and left ventricular hypertrophy, but lower (77-88%) for ST-segment changes and prolonged QTc. CONCLUSIONS: A 9-lead ECG can be reconstituted using a handheld single-lead ECG event recorder, and provides good diagnostic accuracy for common findings.
BACKGROUND: Handheld ECG event recorders are useful for rhythm monitoring but only record a single lead, which may limit interpretation. We sought to investigate if a multi-lead ECG may be reconstituted using this device, and aimed to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: A commercially-available handheld bipolar ECG event recorder was used to reconstruct a 9-lead ECG (leads I, II and III, V1-6). Tracings were analyzed independently by a cardiologist and a fellow. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients were evaluated. Accuracy was excellent (85-98%) for identifying atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block, bundle branch block and left ventricular hypertrophy, but lower (77-88%) for ST-segment changes and prolonged QTc. CONCLUSIONS: A 9-lead ECG can be reconstituted using a handheld single-lead ECG event recorder, and provides good diagnostic accuracy for common findings.