Abstract
On the purpose of statistical studies upon the significance of low votage EKG observed only in standard and unipolar limb leads, I had sent inquiring cards to all national hospitals and sanatoriums in Japan. According to the data summed up inquiring cards, following results were recognized.
1) Total number of cases during past two years were 441 (containing 230 cases in my hospital) in this series. The incidence of low voltage EKG was about 1%, and mortality rate was 20%. Low voltage EKG in limb leads were found mostly in circulatory diseases, diseases of respiratory organs, and malignant neoplasas. The findings of clinical examinations showed anemia, disturbances of hepatic, renal and pulmonary functions.
2) Autopsy-findings of the heart in fatal cases were increased cardiac weight, hypertro phy and dilatation of both ventricles, degeneration and fibrosis of myocardium which may be seen in the primary myocardial disease.
3) Although low voltage in limb leads are determined by spatial angle between the axis of limb lead and maximum vector of QES roop, it may be thought that the deviations of spatial angle are occurred by the myocardial changes due to intra- and extra-cardiac abnormalities. Therefore, when we found the patients showed low voltage EKG in limb leads, further detail examinations are necessary.
