Assessment of atrial electromechanical delay and P-wave dispersion in patients with psoriasis

Echocardiography. 2014 Oct;31(9):1071-6. doi: 10.1111/echo.12530. Epub 2014 Feb 7.

Abstract

Background: In this study, we sought to evaluate atrial electromechanical properties and conduction homogeneity by tissue Doppler imaging and electrocardiography in patients with psoriasis.

Methods: Thirty-four patients with psoriasis and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Atrial electromechanical coupling intervals were assessed by means of tissue Doppler echocardiography and P-wave dispersion (Pd) was calculated from electrocardiogram.

Results: A total of 64 subjects (33 male) with a mean age of 36.8 ± 11.9 years were included in the study. Basal characteristics were similar between 2 groups. Intra-atrial (15 ± 7 ms vs. 12 ± 5 ms, P = 0.009) and inter-atrial (28 ± 7 ms vs. 23 ± 7 ms, P = 0.002) electromechanical delays were significantly higher in patients with psoriasis compared with control groups. P-maximum (112 ± 16 ms vs. 103 ± 8 ms, P = 0.006) and Pd (35 ± 9 ms vs. 20 ± 6 ms, P < 0.001) were also prolonged in patients with psoriasis.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that atrial electromechanical coupling intervals and P-wave dispersion were prolonged in patients with psoriasis, which may cause an increased risk of atrial fibrillation in this patient group.

Keywords: P-wave dispersion; arrhythmia; atrial electromechanical delay; psoriasis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Echocardiography, Doppler / methods*
  • Electrocardiography / methods*
  • Female
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / physiopathology
  • Heart Conduction System / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psoriasis / physiopathology*