Background

P-wave dispersion (Pd) is an ECG index evaluated in human cardiology and veterinary medicine [1–3]. The index is defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum P-wave duration recorded from different ECG leads. It is assumed that the duration of the P-wave and the Pd reflect the electrophysiological properties of the atrium muscle. As the electrical activity of the cardiac muscle displayed on the electrocardiogram is closely correlated with the conduction of specific areas of the atrium; the regional depolarization disturbances may lead to variety of the duration of the P-wave at different ECG leads. Changes in the Pd may reflect the disturbances in the inter and intra-atrial conduction and the inhomogeneous propagation of the sinus impulses. It is not clearly stated if only the conduction heterogeneity of atria (local effect) or also the various projection of the single depolarization vector at different ECG leads (projection phenomenon) [4, 5] will have the influence on the interlead variation of the P-wave duration. Important can be also the obstacle in measurements, when the P-wave amplitude is small and its onset and offset are difficult to determine.

The Pd is also evaluated in humans as a prognosis index in case of atrial fibrillation (AF) [6–8]. It is assumed, that this way, there will be a possibility to detect patients that do not show visible heart disorders although have a higher risk in developing AF [6, 7]. In veterinary medicine, up to now, the Pd has been evaluated only at healthy dogs to establish the proper values of this index [1]. Many hopes are being placed on using Pd, as an indicator, in dogs predisposed to develop some types of supra-ventricular arrhythmia, for example AF in dogs, in dogs that are suspected to have dilated cardiomyopathy, in dogs with enlarged atria due to mitral/tricuspid insufficiency or in dogs predisposed to sinus disorders. No research have been fulfilled to evaluate the Pd in dogs with supra-ventricular conduction disorders or in dogs with enlarged atria.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the P-wave dispersion in healthy dogs, in dogs with mitral valve insufficiency and in dogs with supra-ventricular conduction disorders.

Methods

The study was performed on 88 dogs, divided into three groups. The first group included 53 dogs (22 females/31 males): 6 German Shepherds, 2 Miniature Pinschers, 3 Yorkshire Terriers, 2 Giant Schnauzers, 2 Shih-tzus, 1 Mastino Napoletano, 8 Mixed breeds, 2 Great Danes, 2 Golden Retrievers, 3 Dachshunds, 1 Irish Setter, 1 Cairn Terrier, 1 Tibetan Mastiff, 2 Rottweilers, 1 Flat Coated Retriever, 2 st. Bernards, 3 American Staffordshire Terriers, 1 Bulmastiff, 2 German Pointers, 1 West Highland White Terrier, 1 Bouvier des Flandres, 1 Beagle, 1 Border Collie, 1 Scottish Terrier, 1 Boxer, 1 Dalmatian, 1 Chinese Crested Dog. The body weights were between 1,5 and 80 kg, aged from 0.5 to 17 years. All dogs did not show abnormalities in clinical examination, ECG and echocardiography (ratio LA/Ao < 1.2)

The second group included 23 dogs with mitral valve insufficiency (5 females/18 males): 1 Shih-tzu 1 Yorkshire Terrier, 1 Miniature Pinscher, 7 Mixed breeds, 8 Dachshunds, 3 Miniature Poodles, 2 Miniature Schnauzers, body weights between 3,3 and 38 kg, aged from 8 to 17 years. All dogs in this group in clinical examination had heart murmurs (level of 3 to 5) and clinical sings of heart failure (Ib, II and IIIa, ISACHC score) [9], mitral valve insufficiency and the enlargement of left atria confirmed in echocardiography and ratio LA/Ao > 1.5. According to Bonagura et al the standard for LA/Ao is 1.2, although in the literature appear values up to 1.5 in healthy dogs [10–12], that is why in this study it was assumed that value LA/Ao >1.5 (group II) indicated the atria enlargement.

Tricuspid valve insufficiency of small degree was noticed at 5 dogs. Pd was calculated for dogs that were not treated earlier for cardiac disease. Group III contained 12 dogs (5 females/7 males) with supra-ventricular conduction disorders: 1 Mixed breed (sino-atrial block), 1 Great Dane (atrio-ventricular block 1'st degree), 2 Golden Retrievers (atrio-ventricular block 1'st and 2'nd degree), 2 Dachshunds (sino-atrial block, atrio-ventricular block 1'st degree), 1 Beagle (sino-atrial block), 1 Pug (atrio-ventricular block 1'st degree), 2 Miniature Schnauzers (sino-atrial block, atrio-ventricular block 1'st degree) 1 Labrador Retriever (sino-atrial block), 1 Bullmastiff (atrio-ventricular block 2'nd degree), with body weight between 7 and 70 kg and aged from 14 months till 12 years.

The animals were qualified based upon earlier investigation, preliminary clinical examination and morphological and biochemistry blood sampling (AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-). No variations from normal parameters were detected. All dogs went through echocardiography to establish the size of the heart caves and functions of specific structures (contractility of the left ventricle and the function of atrio-ventricle valves). The LA/Ao ratio was obtained by measuring the left atria and aorta diameters in the ventricular's endsystolic ECG phase [11, 13]. The echocardiography examination was performed on the echocardiograph ALOKA 4000+. The probe used for echocardiography was sector type 5 MHz and 7.5 MHz.

All dogs underwent ECG in standing position on BTL SD08 equipped with net filter and different frequencies of muscular filters. The ECG signals were recorded as a direct electronic signal every 30 seconds using computer software BTL. Additionally the computer system for ECG record evaluation allows to reduce the interference of muscles on the ECG record and in the same time eliminate those artefacts. The system enables to enlarge the record 200 times while using a computer display 21,3". The electrodes are placed accordingly: right arm (red electrode), left arm (yellow electrode), right leg (black electrode) and left leg (green electrode). The precordial leads were attached as follows: V1 was placed right of sternum at the 5th intercostal space, V2 - was placed just to the left of the sternum, V4 - was placed to the left at the costochondrial junction at the 6th intercostal space [14]. The record was analyzed carefully to calculate the P-wave dispersion. The evaluation of P-wave duration was done on 9 ECG leads (I, II, III, IV, aVR, aVL, aVF, V1, V2, V4) at five cardiac cycles. The assessment was done by the means of electronic markers on the computer screen after a 200 times enlargement of the ECG record. In every evaluated lead the duration of P-wave was measured as a distance between the onset (positive or negative deflection from the isoelectric line) and the offset (return to the isoelectric line) with precision to 1 ms. After that, minimum (Pmin) and maximum (Pmax) values of P-wave was set. The dispersion of P-wave was calculated as the difference between Pmax and Pmin and then the average from 5 measurements have been obtained.

When the electrocardiography measurements were completed all data were subjected to statistical analysis. The deviation between values of Pd were analyzed based on Mann-Whitney U test and the correlation between the objective index of atria's size (the size of the left atria compared to the size of aorta - LA/Ao) and Pd was evaluated. We carry out multiple linear regression dependence of Pd from body mass, age, sex and LA/Ao. Statistical analysis was based on program STATISTICA, version 7.1.

The studies obtained consent of the 2nd Local Ethical Commission No 06/2008.

Results

Figure 1 shows the average age of the dogs in particular groups. The age is significantly higher at dogs showing a degeneration of the mitral valve (p < 0.05). The average weight of the dogs in particular groups is shown in Figure 2 - dogs having the degeneration of mitral valve (CVD) have lower body weight than the dogs in other groups (p < 0.05).

Figure 1
figure 1

Avarage age of the dogs in particular groups. Statistical significant difference (p < 0.05) between group II (n = 23) and groups I (n = 53) and III (n = 12).

Full size image
Figure 2
figure 2

Average body mass of the dogs in particular groups. Statistical significant difference (p < 0.05) between group II (n = 23) and groups I (n = 53) and III (n = 12).

Full size image

In all evaluated groups of dogs there were more males then females.

Based upon the results from group I the mean values for Pmax, Pmin, Pd, were calculated which were accordingly: Pmax- 63.4 ± 12.7 ms, Pmin- 46.6 ± 11.5 ms, Pd- 16.8 ± 3.51 ms (range 9.2-22.6 ms, dominant = 16.2). The correct value of P-wave dispersion of healthy dogs was set as a mean value of Pd ± 2SD and it was less than 24 ms.

Based on values received from healthy dogs, the dependency of Pd from other parameters such as: body weight (table 1), age (table 2) and sex (table 3) were analyzed. No significant deviation of Pd was noticed according to body weight, age, and sex.

Table 1 Pd in healthy dogs depending on the body mass
Full size table
Table 2 Pd in healthy dogs depending on the age
Full size table
Table 3 Pd in healthy dogs depending on the sex
Full size table

The results (Pd) were compared between healthy dogs (group I), dogs with mitral valve insufficiency (group II) and dogs with supra-ventricular conduction disorders (group III). Dogs with mitral valve insufficiency and dogs with supra-ventricular conduction disorders had significantly higher values of Pd than healthy dogs (p < 0.01) (Figure 3). The received results were also higher than proposed norm (mean value ± SD) and were accordingly: 25,3 ± 5,1 ms (range 19.2-30.8) in group II and 24.5 ± 4.7 ms (range 15.2-30.9) in group III (table 3). The dependency of Pd from the level of left atria enlargement were also analyzed, such as the correlation between Pd and the LA/Ao ratio coefficient. Statistically the dispersion of P-wave did not differ (p = 0.86) between groups of dogs having visible enlargement of left atria (LA/Ao 2.2 ± 1.3) or disorders of supra-ventricular conduction (LA/Ao 1.4 ± 0.6). In the group of dogs with insufficiency of mitral valve there were no correlations noticed with the increase of Pd and the level of left atria enlargement (p = 0.1, r = 0.17). In multiple linear regression dependence of Pd from body mass, age, sex and LA/Ao was controlled, and only Pd is an independent parameter in the multiple linear regression.

Figure 3
figure 3

Average P wave dispersion (mean ± SD) in particular groups. Statistical significant difference (p < 0.01) between group I (n = 53) and groups II (n = 23) and III (n = 12).

Full size image

Discussion

In veterinary electrocardiography the gold standard is to perform the ECG record in a recumbence, nether less literature shows that the ECG record can be performed also in a standing or sternum position. In many publications the ECG records were compared coming from dogs that were in lateral recumbency or standing position. It has been noticed that the position of the dog does not influence the P-wave duration, P-wave amplitude or PR interval [15, 16]. Dogs standing position is used also during toxicological and pharmacological examination. In the Hanton and Rabamampiania study it is stated that the body position of the dog during recording of ECG had no major influence on most parameters. In many studies taking up the problem of the influence of the dog's position on the ECG record parameters the sufficient impact on the modified mean electrical axis is underlined, what was not evaluated in this research study [15–18]. Standing position was chosen in this study due to lack of any documented muscle interferences with duration and amplitude of P-wave and duration of PR interval, lower stress for the animal and that means less heart rhythm frequency.

The frequency and degree of degeneration of atrio-ventricular valves increases in older dogs. That is why the dogs that had the insufficiency of mitral valve were, in average, the older ones [19]. Degeneration progress with age. In the same group of dogs the body weight was lower, which is correlated with the predisposition of smaller and miniature breeds to the degeneration of mitral valve [19]. No dependency between the age of healthy dogs and Pd was noticed. A tendency for greater spread of Pd was observed more often in healthy dogs above 8 years old, that was pictured by the Pd standard deviation increase (table 2). There is no correlation between the body weight and Pd in healthy dogs. There is an increase of the average maximum and minimum duration of P-wave, correlated with the increase of body weight, which goes together with the increased size of the heart, particularly the size of atrias. The ratio of these values is constant, so there are no statistical differences between particular body weight groups of healthy dogs. No correlation between sex and the value of Pd was noticed, even though there were more males than females. The appearance of higher number of males is due to preferences of the owners to have male dogs, not due to the correlation between sex and heart disorders. Received values of Pd in healthy dogs, independently from age, body weight and sex had small dispersion and small standard deviation. The maximum value of Pd in this group of dogs was 20.8 ms and was lower than average Pd values in the group of dogs with mitral insufficiency (group I) and dogs with supra-ventricular conduction disorders (group III).

Presented data allow to assume that Pd value is an independent factor from body weight and sex. It is a constant parameter in healthy dogs, with no supra-ventricular conduction disturbances and changes in the atria size, resulting in low SD value in a big and diversified group of healthy dogs. This allows to use the Pd value as an independent parameter for evaluating inter and intra-atrial conduction.

There was noticed a significant increase in Pd in dogs with increased left atria due to insufficiency of the mitral valve compared to healthy dogs. Mitral valve insufficiency is a complex pathological process, in which takes part, in example, the degeneration of collagen. Acid mucopolisaccharides group around the petals of the valves which at results in nodular thickening, deformation and weakening of the petals which leads to valve insufficiency. Valve insufficiency leads to the enlargement of the belonging atria, anulus fibrosus and ventricle. In the atria appears endocardial and atria muscular fibrosis, intraparietal infarcts and changes in the arterial vessels caused by the stream of regurgitation over the insufficient valve. These processes lead to inhomogeneous propagation of the impulses in the atria which together with the enlargement of the atria impacts the increase of P-wave dispersion. It seems that Pd is more dependant from disturbances of inter and intra-ventricular conduction and inhomogeneous propagation of impulses, than from the level of left atria enlargement. Correlation wasn't noticed between Pd and the level of the enlargement of left atria. Similar results were found in humans with hypertension, who had earlier episodes of AF or at those that had attacks of AF shortly after Pd measurements. In these tests no correlation has been noticed between the value of blood pressure, size of left atria and weight of left atria [8, 19–21]. Statistically significant increase in Pd was observed in a group of dogs with supra-ventricular conduction disorders compared to healthy dogs. Average value of Pd was the highest in this group of dogs, which is directly correlated with improper atria conduction. The duration of P and Pd is dependant not only from disorders in the atrium. Anemia and activity of immune system can also lead to changes in the auriculars and speed of impulse conduction [22, 23]. Infarct, dilatated cardiomyopathy, stricture of the left atrioventricular ostium opening or congenital malformations of the heart can also lead to increased dispersion of P-valve [23–28]. In human medicine the peculiarity and sensitivity of Pd has been proved and is used as a parameter allowing to detect patients with higher risk of occurring or with the recurrence of atrial fibrillation [6–8]. Presented results, in this study, may also contribute to propagation of similar using values of P-wave dispersion for dogs, but it still demands further research. There are other factors, that can influence Pd, that should be taken under consideration when interpreting the results. Pd can increase also during endocrinology disorders such as diabetes and thyroid hyperfunction [29–32], but also at patients that have the terminal phase of renal failure [33, 34]. The changes in Pd have been noticed also in connection with changes of the tension of autonomous nervous system, for example while conducting Valsalva maneuver [35, 36] or in connection with panic attacks [37]. That is why it is important to interpret Pd in connection with other examination results and general overview of the patient.

Conclusions

P-wave dispersion is a constant parameter in healthy dogs, independent from body weight, age and sex. In dogs with inter and intra-atrial conduction disturbances P-wave dispersion is significantly higher, that is why this parameter can be used to evaluate the possibility of the inter and intra-atrial conduction disturbances. In dogs with chronic valvular disease and the atrial enlargement the P-wave dispersion is also higher than in healthy dogs, although no significant correlation between the size of left atria and Pd was noticed. The dependency with association between of inter and intra-atrial conduction disturbances with Pd in this group of dogs demands further studies.