Electrocardiographic findings in accessory right precordial leads in adults and seniors with notched S waves in lead V1-a preliminary study

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol. 2014 May;19(3):234-40. doi: 10.1111/anec.12114. Epub 2013 Sep 30.

Abstract

Background: Atypical right bundle branch block (RBBB) may present with an rS pattern and notched S wave in lead V1 . The notched S wave may represent slowed conduction or delayed activation of the right ventricular conduction system or ventricular myocardium.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the QRS patterns in accessory right precordial leads (from V3 R to V5 R) in 15 adults/senior individuals with notched S wave in lead V1 .

Results: In the right accessory precordial leads, 13 showed triphasic QRS pattern with final R' wave in their QRS complexes. This QRS pattern in association with notched S wave in lead V1 is suggestive of the presence of RBBB (incomplete or complete).

Conclusions: A notched S wave in lead V1 and in the right precordial accessory leads associated with a final R' wave suggests the possibility of concealed RBBB (incomplete or complete).

Keywords: notched S wave in V1; right bundle branch block; right precordial accessory leads.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bundle-Branch Block / diagnosis*
  • Bundle-Branch Block / physiopathology*
  • Electrocardiography / methods*
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies