Reduction in QT dispersion with rheolytic thrombectomy in acute myocardialinfarction: Evidence of electrical stability with reperfusion therapy

An increase in QT dispersion (QTd) is associated with myocardial ischemia a nd may serve as a marker of ischemia and ventricular arrhythmia. We studied the effect of early reperfusion with rheolytic thrombectomy using an angio jet catheter (Possis, Minneapolis, MN) on QTd in 12 patients who presented with acute myocardial infarction. QTd and QT dispersion, rate-corrected for RR interval, were significantly reduced from 57 +/- 16 and 68 +/- 13 msec before reperfusion to 34 +/- 16 and 44 +/- 19 msec after reperfusion respec tively (mean SD; P < 0.002 and P < 0.0008, respectively). Successful reperf usion with rheolytic thrombectomy reduces QTd and may confer electrical sta bility to vulnerable myocardium. Reduction in indexes of repolarization inh omogeneity with reperfusion may serve as a noninvasive marker of coronary p atency. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;52:56-58. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc .