Microvolt QRS Alternans in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Novel Risk Marker of Late Ventricular Arrhythmias

Background Unlike T-wave alternans (TWA), the relation between QRS alternans (QRSA) and ventricular arrhythmia (VA) risk has not been evaluated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We assessed microvolt QRSA/TWA in relation to HCM risk factors and late VA outcomes in HCM. Methods and Results Prospectively enrolled patients with HCM (n=130) with prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators underwent digital 12-lead ECG recordings during ventricular pacing (100-120 beats/min). QRSA/TWA was quantified using the spectral method. Patients were categorized as QRSA+ and/or TWA+ if sustained alternans was present in ≥2 precordial leads. The VA end point was appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy over 5 years of follow-up. QRSA+ and TWA+ occurred together in 28% of patients and alone in 7% and 7% of patients, respectively. QRSA magnitude increased with pacing rate (1.9±0.6 versus 6.2±2.0 µV; =0.006). Left ventricular thickness was greater in QRSA+ than in QRSA- patients (22±7 versus 20±6 mm; =0.035). Over 5 years follow-up, 17% of patients had VA. The annual VA rate was greater in QRSA+ versus QRSA- patients (5.8% versus 2.0%; =0.006), with the QRSA+/TWA- subgroup having the greatest rate (13.3% versus 2.6%;