Epsilon Waves as an Extreme Form of Depolarization Delay: Focusing on the Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia

Author(s):

Pyotr G. Platonov* and Anneli Svensson   Pages 17 - 23 ( 7 )

Abstract:

Revision of the Task Force diagnostic criteria (TFC) for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D), in 2010, has increased the sensitivity for the diagnosis of early and familial forms of the disease. Epsilon wave (EW) is a major diagnostic criterion in the context of ARVC/D, however, it remains unquantifiable and therefore, may leave room for substantial subjective interpretation, thus, explaining the existing high inter-observer variability in the assessment of EW. EW, when present, coexists with other disease characteristics, which are sufficient for ARVC/D diagnosis, making EW generally not required for ARVC/D diagnosis. Nevertheless, EW remains an important part of the electrocardiographic phenotype of ARVC/D that may be useful in planning diagnostic work-up, which needs to be recognized.

Keywords:

Epsilon wave, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia, electrocardiography, task force criteria, depolarization delay, ECG.

Affiliation:

Department of Cardiology, Clinical Sciences, Lund University and Arrhythmia Clinic, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Department of Cardiology, Linkoping University Hospital, Linkoping

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