Isomagnetic maps in right ventricular overloading.

Isomagnetic maps were recorded in normal subjects and in patients with systolic overloading of the right ventricle. The isomagnetic maps examined in this study indicated the instantaneous current source of the heart by applying the "corkscrew rule." The magnetic field recorded by a second derivative gradiometer detected clearly the cardiac current source from the right ventricle, which is located close to the anterior chest wall, and improved diagnostic sensitivity. Moreover, the isomagnetic map showed multiple dipoles, which are difficult to detect in the electrocardiogram or isopotential map. These results suggest that the magnetocardiogram provides useful information on current sources to supplement information obtained by the conventional electrocardiogram.