Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis electrocardiogram

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamadmostafa Jahansouz M.D.[2]

Overview

There are no specific ECG findings associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Electrocardiogram

ALS specifically involves motor neurons. However, retrospective studies suggest an increased risk of sudden cardiac death in some cases of ALS. It is seen in the terminal stage of ALS due to the loss of intermediolateral sympathetic nucleus neuronal loss in the thoracic spinal cord which can lead to cardiac arrest.

EKG changes in these patients were:
prolonged QTc intervals & increased QTc dispersion

^[1]

References

↑ Asai H, Hirano M, Udaka F, Shimada K, Oda M, Kubori T; et al. (2007). “Sympathetic disturbances increase risk of sudden cardiac arrest in sporadic ALS”. J Neurol Sci. 254 (1–2): 78–83. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2007.01.007. PMID 17303172.

Template:WH Template:WS

[pmid17303172-1] Asai H, Hirano M, Udaka F, Shimada K, Oda M, Kubori T; et al. (2007). “Sympathetic disturbances increase risk of sudden cardiac arrest in sporadic ALS”. J Neurol Sci. 254 (1–2): 78–83. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2007.01.007. PMID 17303172.

[1]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis electrocardiogram

Overview

Electrocardiogram

References

Looking for the patient version?