Pediatric and Fundamental Electrocardiography

The field of electrocardiography is at a cross­ roads. We have reached an era in cardiovascular about the electrical state of the heart not likely to be available in any other imaging techniques. medicine where it is claimed that "imaging" is king. The innovative and useful ultrasound And, in the body surface potential map, we have an imaging technique that goes beyond struc­ techniques continue to develop, and, in the wings lie magnetic resonance, position emission, ture-the only other being, perhaps, magnetic resonance, which has the potential for metabolic and, perhaps, other modalities. Consequently, there are those who state that, other than the imaging. Clinical electrocardiography is impor­ problems related to cardiac rhythm, electro­ tant not only as a diagnostic tool for it can truly cardiography as a discipline is passe. In addi­ give insight into the effect of the disease in question on the heart muscle itself. tion, although there is continued superb work in the basic science related to arrhythmias, only Therefore, it seemed now to be appropriate to a handful of scientists are interested in the bring together leaders in the various fields of myocardial source per se. And few scientists are electrocardiography with the only constraint interested in what happens to that myocardial being a concentration on newer concepts and electrical source on its trip from the endo­ ideas.