Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythematous plaques, generally at the elbows, knees, scalp, umbilicus and lumber area. Many systemic diseases including cardiovascular disturbances have been described in psoriatic patients. In the present study, we aimed to investigate QT dispersion (QTD) and cor-rected QT dispersion (QTcD) as a possible indicator of increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in patients with

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... ials and methods: Twenty-three patients with psoriasis and age and gender matched 20 control subjects were enrolled in the study. The severity of the disease was evaluated by the "Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)". Standard 12-lead electrocardiographs at 25 mm/s paper speed and 24-hour holter examination were performed in all subjects. QTD and QTcD were measured. QTD was defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum QT interval measurements and QTc was calculated according to Bazett's formula. Correlation analysis was per-formed between QTD and QTcD and PASI and duration of the disease.Results: QTD and QTcD were significantly greater in psoriatic patients than controls (QTD, 67.5±17.4 vs 44.0±11.9 ms, p<0.001, respectively; QTcD, 72.4±17.6 vs 47.8±12.8 ms, p<0.001, respectively). There were a positive correla-tion between QTD and QTcD and PASI and longevity of psoriasis disease.Conclusion: In the present study, the patients with psoriasis have an increased QTD and QTcD when compared with healthy subjects and this increase was found to be correlated with the duration and severity of the disease.