A simple algorithm for localizing accessory pathways in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome using only the R/S ratio

Background: Several algorithms for localizing accessory pathways (APs) are based on the delta wave morphology, R/S ratio, and QRS polarity. However, they are somewhat complicated, and an accurate determination of the delta wave morphology is occasionally difficult. The aims of this study were to develop a simple algorithm for localizing APs using only the R/S ratio, and to test the accuracy of the algorithm prospectively. Methods: We studied 142 patients with a single anterogradely conducting AP on a 12-lead ECG. R/S ratios were analyzed in leads V1, V2, and aVF (R/S-V1, R/S-V2, and R/S-aVF). AP locations were divided into five regions based on fluoroscopic anatomy. Results: A new algorithm was developed by correlating R/S-V1, R/S-V2, and R/S-aVF with successful ablation sites in 88 initial consecutive patients. All 55 patients with left free wall APs showed R/S-V1 ≥0.5, and 47 (98%) of 48 patients with left anterior or lateral APs showed R/S-aVF ≥1. In contrast, all seven patients with left posterolateral or posterior APs showed R/S-aVF <1. All nine patients with right-and-left midseptal or posteroseptal APs showed R/S-V1 <0.5 and R/S-V2 ≥0.5. Of 12 patients with right anterior, lateral or anteroseptal APs, 10 (83%) showed R/S-V1 <0.5, R/S-V2 <0.5 and R/S-aVF ≥1. Finally, nine (75%) of 12 patients with right posterolateral or posterior APs showed R/S-V1 <0.5, R/S-V2 <0.5, and R/S-aVF <1. Then this algorithm was tested prospectively in 54 patients. Overall, the sensitivity was 94%, and the specificity was 98%. Conclusions: This ECG algorithm provides a simple and accurate way to identify the AP localization

Preoperative factors affecting the two-year postoperative patient-reported outcome in single-level lumbar grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis

Background: The choice of operative method for lumbar spinal stenosis with Meyerding grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to identify the preoperative factors affecting the 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcome in Meyerding grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis. Methods: Seventy-two consecutive patients who had minimally invasive decompression alone (D group; 28) or with fusion (DF group; 44) were enrolled. The parameters investigated were the Japanese Orthopaedic Association back pain evaluation questionnaire as patient-reported assessment, and L4 slippage (L4S), lumbar lordosis (LL), and lumbar axis sacral distance (LASD) as an index of sagittal alignment for radiological evaluation. Data collected prospectively at 2 years postoperatively were examined by statistical analysis. Results: Sixty-two cases (D group; 25, DF group; 37) were finally evaluated. In multiple logistic regression analysis, preoperative L4S and LASD were extracted as significant preoperative factors affecting the 2-year postoperative outcome. Patients with preoperative L4S of 6 mm or more have a lower rate of improvement in lumbar spine dysfunction due to low back pain (risk ratio=0.188, p=.043). Patients with a preoperative LASD of 30 mm or more have a higher rate of improvement in lumbar dysfunction due to low back pain (risk ratio=11.48, p=.021). The results of multiple logistic analysis by operative method showed that there was a higher rate of improvement in lumbar spine dysfunction due to low back pain in patients with preoperative LASD of 30 mm or more in DF group (risk ratio=172.028, p=.01). Conclusions: Preoperative L4S and LASD were extracted as significant preoperative factors affecting patient-reported outcomes at 2 years postoperatively. Multiple logistic analyses by the operative method suggested that DF may be advantageous in improving lumbar dysfunction due to low back pain in patients with preoperative LASD of 30 mm or more