Last updated ECG with notching of the ascending branch of the QRS complex in leads aVL and aVF and Tachycardia of about 100 beats per minute.
Notching in electrocardiography refers to the presence of distinct deflections or irregularities in the waveform of an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), particularly within the P wave, QRS complex (fragmented QRS (fQRS)), or T wave.[1] These notches appear as abrupt changes in the direction or slope of the waveform and can provide critical diagnostic information about cardiac conditions.[2][3]
Notching is identified as an abrupt change in the direction of an ECG waveform, resulting in a "notch" or dip that creates a bimodal or M-shaped appearance. It is distinct from slurring, which involves a smooth transition or slowing in the slope of the waveform without a clear change in direction.[11] Notching can occur in the following ECG components:
P Wavenotching: A notched P wave typically appears as a double-peaked or M-shaped wave in lead II, often reflecting delayed atrial conduction or left atrial enlargement. A notched P wave is defined by a peak-to-peak distance of ≥20 ms or ≥40 ms, depending on the diagnostic criteria used.[12][13]
Notching is typically assessed using a standard 12-lead ECG, with modern systems employing digital analysis at high sampling rates (e.g., 500 Hz) to detect subtle notches that may be missed in conventional recordings. High-frequency ECG techniques can enhance the visibility of notching, particularly in the QRS complex.
Mechanisms
Notching in ECG waveforms arises from disruptions in the normal sequence of cardiac depolarization or repolarization. Specific mechanisms include:
Atrialconduction delay: Notched P waves result from delayed or asynchronous atrial activation, often due to left atrial enlargement or fibrosis, which slows intra-atrial conduction.[16]
Ventricularconduction abnormalities: QRS notching in bundle branch blocks is caused by delayed conduction through the Purkinje system, leading to asynchronous ventricular depolarization.[17] In LBBB, the left ventricular lateral wall is depolarized last, producing notching in lateral leads.[18]
Myocardialscarring: Notching in ischemic heart disease reflects local conduction delays due to myocardial scarring or fibrosis, altering the QRS contour. HF ECGs can detect subtle notches obscured in standard recordings.[19]
Ionchannel dysfunction: T-wave notching in LQTS2 is linked to reduced potassium currents (e.g., IKr), which prolong repolarization and create a biphasic T-wave morphology.[20]
Structuralheart disease: Conditions like ASD cause notching (e.g., crochetage sign) due to altered ventricular activation patterns secondary to volume overload.[21]
↑ France, R. J.; Formolo, J. M.; Penney, D. G. (March 1990). "Value of notching and slurring of the resting QRS complex in the detection of ischemic heart disease". Clinical Cardiology. 13 (3): 190–196. doi:10.1002/clc.4960130309. PMID2323119.
↑ Shen, Lei; Liu, Jian; Li, Jin-kang; Xu, Meng; Yuan, Lang; Zhang, Guo-qin; Wang, Jian-yi; Huang, Yu-juan (June 2018). "The Significance of Crochetage on the R wave of an Electrocardiogram for the Early Diagnosis of Pediatric Secundum Atrial Septal Defect". Pediatric Cardiology. 39 (5): 1031–1035. doi:10.1007/s00246-018-1857-0. PMID29564520.
↑ Lane, Kory; Layell, Roger L (February 2022). "Crochetage Sign". EMS World.
↑ Heng, Sijie Jacob; Clark, Elaine N.; Macfarlane, Peter W. (September 2012). "End QRS Notching or Slurring in the Electrocardiogram". Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 60 (10): 947–948. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2012.03.061. PMID22796253.
↑ Kabutoya, Tomoyuki; Hoshide, Satoshi; Kario, Kazuomi (2022). "Notched P-Wave on Digital Electrocardiogram Predicts Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Cardiovascular Risks: The Japan Morning Surge Home Blood Pressure Study". Cardiology. 147 (3): 307–314. doi:10.1159/000522508. PMID35152222.
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