摘要
Background Incomplete right bundle branch block （ICRBBB） is commonly associated with atrial septal defect （ASD）, but lacks sufficient diagnostic test characteristics. An abnormal T wave is also often observed in ASD, with horizontal or inverted displacement of the proximal T wave limb in the right precordial leads, termed ＂defective T wave＂ （DTW）. Methods We examined the diagnostic test characteristics of combining ICRBBB with DTW as a new index to diagnose ASD. A total of 132 consecutive patients with ASD and 132 cases of age/gender-matched controls without ASD were enrolled. Results Sensitivities of DTW, ICRBBB, and both were 87.1%-87.9%. Specificities were 97.0%, 96.2%, and 100%, respectively. Positive predictive values were 1.3%, 1.1%, and 100.0% respectively, while negative predictive values were 99.9% for each. Conclusion Combining ICRBBB with DTW in electrocardiogram （ECG） as a new index significantly increased the specificity and positive predictive values while maintaining a high sensitivity in diagnosing ASD.
Background Incomplete right bundle branch block （ICRBBB） is commonly associated with atrial septal defect （ASD）, but lacks sufficient diagnostic test characteristics. An abnormal T wave is also often observed in ASD, with horizontal or inverted displacement of the proximal T wave limb in the right precordial leads, termed ＂defective T wave＂ （DTW）. Methods We examined the diagnostic test characteristics of combining ICRBBB with DTW as a new index to diagnose ASD. A total of 132 consecutive patients with ASD and 132 cases of age/gender-matched controls without ASD were enrolled. Results Sensitivities of DTW, ICRBBB, and both were 87.1%-87.9%. Specificities were 97.0%, 96.2%, and 100%, respectively. Positive predictive values were 1.3%, 1.1%, and 100.0% respectively, while negative predictive values were 99.9% for each. Conclusion Combining ICRBBB with DTW in electrocardiogram （ECG） as a new index significantly increased the specificity and positive predictive values while maintaining a high sensitivity in diagnosing ASD.
