OBJECTIVETo explore the predict value of microvolt level T-wave alternans (MTWA) for malignant ventricular arrhythmia (MVA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in high risk patients.

METHODSA total of 105 healthy subjects (control group) and 138 patients with history of VT or VF or patients with LVEF < or = 45% (SCD high risk group) were included in this study (mean age 52 years old). MTWA, LVEF, HRV, NSVT, QRS, QTc values and MACE data (death, causes of death, MVA, re-hospitalization, syncope) during follow up (12.0 +/- 1.3) months were obtained.

RESULTSThe normal reference value of MTWA was defined as < 37 microV. Positive rate in SCD high risk group was significantly higher than that in control group (45.7% vs. 4.8%, P < 0.01). There was no cardiovascular event report in control group. In SCD high risk group, there were 11 deaths (MTWA positive rate 81.8%) including 7 SCD (MTWA positive rate 85.7%), 17 MVA (MTWA positive rate 88.2%), 9 cases of syncope (MTWA positive rate 77.8%), 21 cases of re-hospitalization during the follow up (MTWA positive rate 85.7%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that positive MTWA, a history of myocardial infarction and LVDd > or = 60 mm were risk factors for all cause of death and positive MTWA was the only factor to predict SCD. The factors related to MVA in turn were positive MTWA, LVEF < or = 35%, a history of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and a history of syncope. Positive MTWA and LVEF < or = 35% are the independent risk factors for predicting MVA (P < 0.01). The sensitivity was 91% and specifity was 66% by combined use of positive MTWA and LVEF < or = 35% to predict MVA. MTWA positive rates were 68.3% and 87.5% respectively in 41 ICD patients and ICD patients with automatic shock during follow up.

CONCLUSIONNon-invasive MTWA measurement could be used as a screening tool to predict SCD or MVA in high risk patients.