LAUSR

Background: Multiple observational studies have shown that positive T wave in lead AVR (PTAVR) on 12-lead electrocardiogram is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes including death. We sought to review the literature and conduct a meta-analysis to estimate the risk of mortality in patients with PTAVR. Methods: We searched multiple databases to investigate the association between PTAVR and risk of death. Studies that reported adjusted odds ratio (OR) or hazards ratio (HR) of the association between PTAVR and risk of death (all cause or cardiovascular mortality) were included. We used inverse variance approach to pool adjusted OR /HR and it’s 95 % confidence interval using a random effects model meta-analysis. Results: Out of 140 relevant studies, 17 studies were eligible. Twelve studies reported all-cause mortality and enrolled 4,122 patients, 1976 (47.9%) were males. PTAVR was associated with a significant increase in all-cause mortality, with a pooled adjusted OR 2.44, 95% CI [1.76-3.39], heterogeneity I 2 = 86%. Five studies reported cardiovascular mortality and enrolled 31,713 patients, 27,628 (87.1%) were males. PTAVR was associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular mortality, with a pooled adjusted OR 2.34, 95% CI [1.82-3.0], heterogeneity I 2 = 68%. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that PTAVR is significantly associated with a higher risk of death from any cause as well cardiovascular mortality. Lead AVR, an often neglected lead, should be carefully interpreted as it may provide important prognostic information. Further studies are warranted to examined the prognostic value of PTAVR in risk stratification when added to existing cardiovascular risk scores.