In order to diagnose right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) more precisely and quantitatively, body surface isopotential mappings (MAPs) and standard 12 lead ECGs (ECGs) were recorded in pulmonary artery banded dogs and sham operated dogs before and after surgery. MAP and pathoanatomical findings (RV/LV weight ratio) were compared, and the relationships among the MAP and ECG parameters were examined. Pathoanatomical RVH (RV/LV weight ratio>0.65) developed 12 months after PAbanding. The indices derived from MAPs were analyzed statistically by one way analysis of variance. After PA banding, R max·V gradually increased on the anterior-inferior chest surface, S max·V increased on the left high back, T max·V increased on the lower chest surface and the R max ratio and RV/LV weight ratio were correlated (r=0.55, p<0.1), so R max ratio may reflect anatomical RVH quantitatively. These changes were statistically significant (p<0.05), while the usual parameters for diagnosing RVH such as QRS axis, R/S (V1), RV1, SV5, SV6, RV1+SV5 and VAT (V1) showed no significant changes after the operation. The foregoing findings suggest that MAP is superior to conventional ECG for diagnosis of RVH.
