Comparison of ventricular repolarization parameters of Covid-19 patients diagnosed with chest CT and RT-PCR

Background and objectives The aim of the comparison is to evaluate the marker of ventricular repolarization parameters such as QT, QTc, cQT, Tp-e, Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc, Tp-e/JT and Tp-e/JTc ratios and the risk of ventricular arrhtythmias in patients with newly diagnosed Covid-19. Methods The study included 2 separate groups. The first one consisted of 96 positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) Covid-19 patients and the second one of 106 patients with negative PCR but positive chest computed tomography (CT) findings consistent with Covid-19. We measured QTmax, QTmin, QRS, JT and Tp-e intervals and estimated Tp-e/QT max, Tp- e/QTc max, Tp-e/JT and Tp-e/JTc rates and QTc max, QTc min, cQTd and JTc intervals. Results QT max, QT min, JT, cQTd, Tp-e, Tp-e/QT max, Tp-e/QTc max, Tp-e/JT, Tp-e/JTc values were significantly higher in RT-PCR Covid-19 patient group. Conclusion Positive RT-PCR Covid-19 patients should be followed more closely, in terms of high ventricular repolarization parameters and preventing ventricular arrhythmias that may develop due to this.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the markers of ventricular repolarization parameters in patients with newly diagnosed Covid-19, finding significantly higher values in RT-PCR positive patients. Close monitoring is recommended to prevent ventricular arrhythmias.