The ECG T-Wave duration as an index of dispersion of ventricular repolarization: Insights from simulations

Dispersion of ventricular repolarization (DVR) is known to be an immediate precursor of potentially mortal arrhythmias. Recently, the duration of the ECG T-wave (TWD) has been proposed as an indicator of DVR. In this work, we have used computer simulations to quantify the relationship between the degree of DVR and the TWD. For this purpose, the Luo-Rudy dynamic (2000) model was used in combination with a monodomain model of the ventricular tissue to simulate the electrical activity of a ventricular strand. The results of the simulations show that the duration of the T-wave increases almost linearly with dispersion of ventricular repolarization, independently of the cause of the increased DRV. Thus, the T-wave duration could indeed be a good indicator of the DRV, as suggested by other experimental works.