QT Dispersion: An Interesting Researh Field, or a Useful Diagnostic Tool?

QT dispersion defined as the difference between the maximum and the minimum QT interval duration in the twelve lead electrocardiogram has originally been reported as a marker for risk arrhythmia. Although the evaluation of QT dispersion is considered to be inexpensive and easily available, there still exists technical problems related to the methodology. QT dispersion measured either manually or automatically has been shown to be increased in ischemic, arrhythmic and hypertensive heart diseases and in some noncardiac diseases as well. It has also been ascribed to adverse clinical outcome in some certain patient populations. Provided the problems related to the methodology are overcome, the measurement of QT dispersion seems to have the potential to become a useful diagnostic tool in clinical electrocardiography.