Fragmented QRS Complexes on 12‐Lead ECG: A Marker of Cardiac Sarcoidosis as Detected by Gadolinium Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Background: Fragmented QRS complexes (fQRS) on a 12‐lead ECG are a marker of myocardial scar in patients with coronary artery disease. Cardiac sarcoidosis is also associated with myocardial granuloma formation and scarring. We evaluated the significance of fQRS on a 12‐lead ECG compared to Gadolinium‐delayed enhancement images (GDE) in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Method and results: The ECGs of patients (n = 17, mean age: 52 ± 11 years, male: 53%) with established diagnosis of sarcoidosis who underwent a CMR for evaluation of cardiac involvement were studied. ECG abnormalities included bundle branch block, Q wave, and fQRS. fQRS, Q wave, and bundle branch block were present in 9 (53%), 1 (6%), and 4 (24%) patients, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of fQRS for detecting abnormal GDE were 100% and 80%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Q waves were 11% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: fQRS on a 12‐lead ECG in patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis are associated with cardiac involvement as detected by GDE on CMR.