Electrocardiographic features and prognosis in acute diagonal or marginal branch occlusion

The aim of our study was to analyze electrocadiographic changes in patients with acute myocardial infarction related to the occlusion of diagonal (DG) or marginal (MG) branch. We selected 13 cases with DG and 12 with MG occlusion on angiography and evaluated their electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns on admission obtained in emergency department (ED) of university hospital with catheterization laboratory serving everyday interventional cardiology duty for ACS. Most characteristic ECG changes in acute occlusion of DG observed in 12 patients (92.3%) included ST-segment elevation in leads V(2) and V(3) (mean, 1.2 +/- 0.5 mm; maximum, 1.7 mm) and ST-segment depression in leads II and III (mean, 0.9 +/- 0.4 mm; maximum, 1.5 mm). Most characteristic ECG changes for acute occlusion of MG were ST-segment depression in leads V(5) and V(6) (mean, 0.9 +/- 0.4 mm; maximal, 1 mm) observed in 11 (91.7%) patients, ST-segment depression in lead II (mean, 0.7 +/- 0.2 mm; maximal, 0.8 mm) in 10 (83.3%,) and in leads V(2) and V(3), and aVF in 8 (66.7%) of cases. Risk of complications including cardiogenic shock and death was high in both groups especially during acute phase of myocardial infarction. Prevalence of borderline ECG changes in patients with acute coronary occlusion confirms how important is precise ECG interpretation usually initially done by ED physician.     

Identification of the culprit artery involved in inferior wall acute myocardial infarction using electrocardiographic criteria

We tested whether particular electrocardiogram (ECG) changes can identify the right coronary (RCA) or left circumflex (LCX) artery as the responsible vessel in inferior wall acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in 73 patients. A standard 12-lead ECG was performed within 6 h of onset of chest pain. Coronary angiography was performed between 1 week and 6 weeks after the infarction. RCA and LCX lesions were detected in 53 and 20 patients, respectively. The most useful ECG parameters for implicating the RCA were a higher ST elevation in lead III than lead II (specificity 94%, sensitivity 86%) and an S/R wave ratio > 0.33 plus ST segment depression > 1 mm in lead aVL (specificity 94%, sensitivity 92%). Absence of these criteria was associated with LCX occlusion (specificity 100%, sensitivity 87%). These results indicate that composite ECG criteria are useful in predicting the artery involved in inferior wall AMI.     

T-wave inversions in inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction - A case of “inferior Wellens sign”

BackgroundAlthough T-wave inversions are nonspecific, in the appropriate clinical setting, the pattern of negative biphasic T-waves or T-wave inversion in V2-V3 can indicate critical stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery (i.e. “anterior Wellens sign”). Recently tall T-waves in V2-V3 have been reported in association with posterior reperfusion (i.e.“posterior Wellens sign”). Less commonly, negative biphasic T-waves or T-wave inversions in the inferior leads have been reported in association with critical stenosis of the right coronary artery (RCA) or left circumflex artery (LCx). We present a case where T wave inversions (i.e. “inferior Wellens sign”) and a tall T-wave in V2-V3 (i.e. “posterior Wellens sign”) preceded the development of an inferior-posterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Case reportA 37-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department for one day of chest pain. On arrival, his pain had resolved, and his 1st ECG showed inverted/biphasic T-waves in lead III and aVF and a tall T wave in V2-V3. Three- and one-half hours after arrival, his chest pain returned and his ECG showed an inferior-posterior STEMI.Why should an emergency physician be aware of this?New, focal T-wave inversions in an anatomic distribution may be an early warning sign of impending myocardial infarction. Careful attention to the T-waves during asymptomatic periods may assist in identifying patients that may have critical stenosis of an underlying coronary artery. In this case, T-wave inversions in the inferior leads, along with a tall T-wave in V2-V3, were seen prior to the development of an inferior-posterior STEMI.     

Variable electrocardiographic effects of short-term quinidine sulfate administration in Brugada syndrome

Quinidine, a class I antiarrhythmic agent with blocking property of transient outward current, is a possible candidate for the suppression of ventricular fibrillation in patients with Brugada syndrome; although there is a concern that its ability to these effects may be proarrhythmic. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of quinidine sulfate on ST-segment elevation in Brugada syndrome. In 8 patients with Brugada syndrome, the magnitude of ST-elevation at the J-point (ST(J)), and the ST-segment configuration in leads V1-V3, were compared before and on day 2 after the initiation of quinidine administration. In 3 patients, quinidine attenuated ST(J) by > or = 0.1 mV. Of these 3 patients, ST-segment elevation was normalized in 2 patients, while the ST-segment configuration was unchanged in another. In another 3 patients, quinidine augmented ST(J) by > or = 0.1 mV without any change of ST-segment configuration, and the augmentation was returned to baseline after the discontinuation of quinidine. Quinidine exhibited no effect on the ST-segment in the remaining 2 patients. The favorable effects of quinidine on the ST-segment tended to be more pronounced in patients with prominent ST-elevation at baseline. In 1 patient, quinidine was effective in eliminating both ST-segment elevation and repetitive tachyarrhythmia episodes. In conclusion, the effects of quinidine on ST-segment elevation were variable. Quinidine may potentially augment the ST-segment elevation in some patients with Brugada syndrome.     

The electrocardiogram in right ventricular myocardial infarction

Right ventricular (RV) myocardial infarction most often occurs in the setting of inferior wall myocardial infarction. Right ventricular infarction complicates approximately 25% (range, 20%-60%) of inferior acute myocardial infarction; it is uncommon to quite rare in anterior and lateral wall acute myocardial infarction. With infarction of the RV, the RV will fail. As such, left ventricular filling pressures are entirely dependent upon the patient's preload; with significant reductions in the preload, hypotension likely results (this hypotension may be worsened by nitroglycerin and morphine). The clinical presentation, in the setting of an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) of the inferior wall, involves hypotension, jugular venous distension, and the following electrocardiographic findings: ST-segment elevation of greatest magnitude in lead III (compared with leads II and aVF), ST-segment elevation in lead V1, and/or ST-segment elevation in right chest leads (RV1 through RV6). Therapy, in addition to appropriate management for STEMI, relies largely on enhancing the preload with intravenous fluid and judicious use of vasodilator medications. Patients with inferior wall STEMI with RV infarction have a markedly worse prognosis (both acute cardiovascular complications and death) compared with patients with isolated inferior wall STEMI.     

Significance of ST-segment depression in inferior leads in patients with acute anterior infarction

Coronary arteriographic findings in patients with acute transmural anterior infarction were studied from 33 patients (30 men and 3 women). Their ages ranged from 28 to 76 years with a mean of 50 years. In 18 patients, ST depression of less than 1 mm in leads II, III and a VF was observed and these contributed to Group A. The remaining 15 patients in whom ST depression in these leads measured 1 mm or more formed Group B. All 33 patients had significant disease of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery but in Group A, only 5 (28%) had significant disease of either the right coronary artery (RCA) or the circumflex (CIRC) branch of the left coronary artery (or both) whereas these added lesions were noted in 12 (80%) of the patients in Group B. This was a significant difference (p less than 0.01). The mean peak plasma creatinine phosphokinase (IU/L) in Group B (2475 +/- 1111 S.D.) was greater (p less than 0.005) than in Group A (1147 +/- 998). The mean ejection fraction of 62.6 +/- 14.1% in Group A was higher (p less than 0.001) than that in Group B (40.3 +/- 13%). There was no relation between the duration of ST-segment depression in leads II, III and a VF and the presence of RCA/CIRC stenosis. Also, no correlation was noted between the presence of collateral circulation and the development of ST-segment depression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Chest pain showing precordial ST-segment elevation in a 96-year-old woman with right coronary artery occlusion: A case report

BACKGROUNDTypically, right coronary artery (RCA) occlusion causes ST-segment elevation in inferior leads. However, it is rarely observed that RCA occlusion causes ST-segment elevation only in precordial leads. In general, an electrocardiogram is considered to be the most important method for determining the infarct-related artery, and recognizing this is helpful for timely discrimination of the culprit artery for reperfusion therapy. In this case, an elderly woman presented with chest pain showing dynamic changes in precordial ST-segment elevation with RCA occlusion.CASE SUMMARYA 96-year-old woman presented with acute chest pain showing precordial ST-segment elevation with dynamic changes. Myocardial injury markers became positive. Coronary angiography indicated acute total occlusion of the proximal nondominant RCA, mild atherosclerosis of left anterior descending artery and 75% stenosis in the left circumflex coronary artery. Percutaneous coronary intervention was conducted for the RCA. Repeated manual thrombus aspiration was performed, and fresh thrombus was aspirated. A 2 mm × 15 mm balloon was used to dilate the RCA with an acceptable angiographic result. The patient’s chest pain was relieved immediately. A postprocedural electrocardiogram showed alleviation of precordial ST-segment elevation. The diagnosis of acute isolated right ventricular infarction caused by proximal nondominant RCA occlusion was confirmed. Echocardiography indicated normal motion of the left ventricular anterior wall and interventricular septum (ejection fraction of 54%), and the right ventricle was slightly dilated. The patient was asymptomatic during the 9-mo follow-up period.CONCLUSIONCardiologists should be conscious that precordial ST-segment elevation may be caused by occlusion of the nondominant RCA.     

Multiple premature beats triggered ventricular arrhythmias during pilsicainide infusion in a patient with inferior ST-segment elevation

A 17-year-old man was referred to our hospital for treatment of common paroxysmal atrial flutter. His electrocardiogram at rest showed subtle ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aV(F). Intravenous pilsicainide caused further ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads, new ST-segment depression in leads V2-V6, two distinct forms of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) triggering short runs of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT). An infusion of isoproterenol suppressed these arrhythmias and normalized the ST-segment. Pilsicainide may induce PVCs and polymorphic VT in atypical Brugada syndrome.     

Difficulties in diagnosis of infarction of the right ventricular myocardium

About half of the patients with symptoms of inferior acute myocardial infarction (MI) of the left ventricle (LV) are found to have proximal occlusion of the dominant right coronary artery presented on ECG by ischemia or infarction of the right ventricular wall. Hypotension, high pressure in the jugular veins and, in some cases, shock with clear lung fields--typical clinical picture of right ventricular MI. The diagnosis begins with ECG picture of LV lower wall ischemia (rise of ST wave in leads II, III and aVF) with possible emergence of a pathological wave Q and right ventricular ischemia (rise of ST wave in leads V3R-V6R and its depression in leads V2-V4). Echo-CG and balanced radioventriculography were used for verification of the diagnosis, precise localization of the myocardial lesion. Therapy of patients with right ventricular MI consists in maintenance of adequite preload of the right ventricle, inotropic support and control over atrioventricular conduction.     

下壁导联 ST 段抬高急性主动脉夹层临床分析

目的：分析下壁导联 ST 段抬高的急性主动脉夹层临床特征，减少误诊，及时采取正确治疗策略。方法回顾性分析14例下壁导联 ST 段抬高的急性主动脉夹层临床表现、心电图特点、影像学表现、实验室检查、冠脉造影表现和治疗转归等资料。结果下壁导联 ST 段抬高的急性主动脉夹层患者相关临床表现提示单一高血压危险因素占79％，就诊时血压正常或高血压比例为86％；心电图提示 ST 段抬高幅度 STⅢ＞STⅡ并伴 V1或 V4R 导联 ST 段抬高比例为86％；实验室检查提示平均 D-二聚体＞2000 ng／mL；冠脉造影表现为未显示冠脉开口、冠脉血管正常或单纯右冠近端病变等；经胸心脏超声和胸部 CT 大血管造影对本病的识别率达到100％；本组患者的病死率为50％。结论下壁导联 ST 段抬高的急性主动脉夹层患者病情危重，病死率高，急诊手术治疗能明显提高患者生存率。     

Electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with acute pulmonary embolism complicated by cardiogenic shock

Background

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare electrocardiography (ECG) parameters in patients with APE presenting with or without CS.

Methods

A 12-lead ECG was recorded on admission at a paper speed of 25 mm/s and 10 mm/mV amplification. All ECGs were examined by a single cardiologist who was blinded to all other clinical data. All ECG measurements were made manually.

Results

Electrocardiographic data from 500 patients with APE were analyzed, including 92 patients with CS. The following ECG parameters were associated with CS: S1Q3T3 sign, (odds ratio [OR]: 2.85, P < .001), qR or QR morphology of QRS in lead V1, (OR: 3.63, P < .001), right bundle branch block (RBBB) (OR: 2.46, P = .004), QRS fragmentation in lead V1 (OR: 2.94, P = .002), low QRS voltage (OR: 3.21, P < .001), negative T waves in leads V2 to V4 (OR: 1.81, P = .011), ST-segment depression in leads V4 to V6 (OR: 3.28, P < .001), ST-segment elevation in lead III (OR: 4.2, P < .001), ST-segment elevation in lead V1 (OR: 6.78, P < .01), and ST-segment elevation in lead aVR (OR: 4.35, P < .01). The multivariate analysis showed that low QRS voltage, RBBB, and ST-segment elevation in lead V1 remained statistically significant predictors of CS.

Conclusions

In patients with APE, low QRS voltage, RBBB, and ST-segment elevation in lead V1 were associated with CS.     

Determinants of successful ablation of idiopathic ventricular tachycardias with left bundle branch block morphology from the right ventricular outflow tract

The aim of the study was to define the factors that may predict the outcomes of radiofrequency ablation from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) in patients with idiopathic VT with a QRS morphology of LBBB. Endocardial mapping and RF ablation from the RVOT were performed in 35 patients (14 men, mean age 41 +/- 14 years), and VT was successfully ablated in 30 patients. There was no significant difference with regard to clinical characteristics and electrophysiological findings between patients with successful and failed ablation. The VTs with successful ablation showed an rS (n = 16) or QS (n = 14) pattern in lead V1, and all five VTs with failed ablation showed an rS pattern in lead V1. Although the absence of an R wave in lead V1 did not differ between patients with successful and failed ablation (P = 0.13), the absence of an R wave in lead V1 predicted VT successfully ablated from the RVOT (positive predictive value 100%; negative predictive value 24%). The VTs with successful ablation had a median precordial transitional zone at lead V4 (range V3-V6), whereas all five VTs with failed ablation had precordial transition zones at lead V3 (P = 0.004). Furthermore, a presence of an R wave in lead V1 associated with a precordial transition zone at lead V3 predicted VT not successfully ablated from the RVOT (positive predictive value 100%; negative predictive value 100%). In conclusion, some VTs with LBBB and inferior or normal axis cannot be ablated from the RVOT. The presence of an R wave in lead V1 associated with a precordial transition zone at lead V3 suggest that some VTs may not arise from the RVOT.     

Predictive accuracy of ST depression during rapid atrial fibrillation on the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease

Background

Rapid atrial fibrillation (AF) is commonly associated with ST-segment depressions. ST-segment depression during a chest pain episode or exercise stress testing in sinus rhythm is predictive of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), but it is unclear if the presence or magnitude of ST-segment depression during rapid AF has similar predictive accuracy.

Methods

One hundred twenty-seven patients with rapid AF (heart rate ≥120 beats per minute) who had cardiac catheterization performed during the same hospital admission were retrospectively reviewed. Variables to compute thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk score, demographic profiles, ST-segment deviation, cardiac catheterization results, and cardiac interventions were collected.

Results

Thirty-five patients had ST-segment depression of 1 mm or more, and 92 had no or less than 1 mm ST depression. Thirty-one patients were found to have obstructive CAD. In the group with ST-segment depression, 11 (31%) patients had obstructive CAD and 24 (69%) did not. In the group with less than 1 mm ST-segment depression, 20 (22%) had obstructive CAD and 72 (78%) did not (P = .25). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for presence of obstructive CAD were 35%, 75%, 31%, and 78%, respectively. The presence of ST-segment depression of 1 mm or more was not associated with presence of obstructive CAD before or after adjustment of TIMI variables. The relationship between increasing grades of ST-segment depression and obstructive CAD showed a trend toward significance (P = .09), which did not persist after adjusting for TIMI risk variables (P = .36).

Conclusion

ST-segment depression during rapid AF is not predictive for the presence of obstructive CAD.     

Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricle free wall strain for prediction of right coronary artery proximal lesion in patients with inferior myocardial infarction

In this study, our objective was to evaluate right ventricular functions with speckle-tracking and conventional echocardiographic methods in patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction and to investigate the correlation between the echocardiographic parameters and the prediction of the proximal RCA lesions. 77 patients were included in this study. Patients with a RCA occluded proximal to the right ventricular branch were assigned to Group 1 and patients with an RCA occlusion distal to the right ventricle branch were assigned to Group 2. All echocardiographic examinations were carried out within 24 h after PTCA, which was performed for the treatment of inferior myocardial infarction. RV TAPSE, RV TDI Sm, FAC, RV-FW strain, RV-FW SRE′, RV-FW SRA′ and RV E/Em which were statistically significant in univariate analysis were evaluated with the help of the multivariate logistic regression analysis. In the multivariate logistic regression test; RV-FW strain (OR 0.751, 95% CI 0.592–0.954, p?=?0.019) and RV E/Em (OR 0.442, 95% CI 0.252–0.776, p?=?0.004) were determined as the independent predictive parameters for proximal RCA occlusion. In the ROC analysis, RV-FW strain > ??14.75% predicted the proximal RCA occlusion with 83% sensitivity and 61% specificity (AUC?=?0.81, p?<?0.001) and RV E/Em?>?6.25 with 68% sensitivity and 80% specificity (AUC?=?0.79, p?<?0.001). In this study, we demonstrated that decreased RV FW strain and increased RV E/Em were predictive parameters for the presence of the proximal RCA in patients with acute inferior MI.     

ST-segment deviation following implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks: incidence,timing, and clinical significance

GUREVITZ, O., et al. : ST-Segment Deviation Following Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Shocks: Incidence, Timing, and Clinical Significance. ST-segment analysis is frequently used during surgical procedures, while ST deviation is considered a sign of myocardial injury. ST deviations were reported following transthoracic and epicardial electrical shocks. The prevalence, timing, and clinical significance of ST-segment deviation following endocardial ICD shocks are discussed in this article. Twenty-eight patients undergoing 125 shock episodes during ICD implantation or testing were included. A 12-lead ECG was recorded at baseline, continuously during the first 3–10 seconds, 1 minute after test shocks, 3–10 seconds and 1 and 5 minutes after each shock given to terminate VF. ST deviation was diagnosed when the ST-segment was displaced ≥ 1 mm in at least one lead compared to baseline. ST-segment deviations were observed after 49 (39%) of all shock episodes in 17 (61%) of patients. ST elevation was observed after 30 (24%) of all shock episodes, and ST depression after 31 (25%). Following 13 shock episodes in seven patients, ST-elevation and depression were observed. ST depressions occurred more frequently after shocks given to terminate VF than after lower energy test shocks (28% vs 18% respectively,  P = 0.045  ). However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of ST elevations between the lower or higher energy shocks. No adverse clinical events were observed in patients with or without postshock ST-segment deviation. ST-segment deviation following endocardial ICD shocks is a frequent phenomenon, occurring acutely and resolving during the first few minutes postshock. It may have no prognostic implications.     

Predictive value of electrocardiogram in diagnosing acute coronary artery lesions among patients with out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest

Aims

Acute coronary lesions are known to be the most common trigger of out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Aim of the present study was to assess the predictive value of ST-segment changes in diagnosing the presence of acute coronary lesions among OHCA patients

Methods

Findings of coronary angiography (CA) performed in patients resuscitated from OCHA were retrospectively reviewed and related to ST-segment changes on post-ROSC electrocardiogram (ECG)

Results

Ninety-one patients underwent CA after OHCA; 44% of patients had ST-segment elevation and 56% of patients had other ECG patterns on post-ROSC ECG. Significant coronary artery disease (CAD) was found in 86% of patients; CAD was observed in 98% of patients with ST-segment elevation and in 77% of patients with other ECG patterns on post-ROSC ECG (p = 0.004). Acute or presumed recent coronary artery lesions were diagnosed in 56% of patients, respectively in 85% of patients with ST-segment elevation and in 33% of patients with other ECG patterns (p < 0.001). ST-segment analysis on post-ROSC ECG has a good positive predictive value but a low negative predictive value in diagnosing the presence of acute or presumed recent coronary artery lesions (85% and 67%, respectively)

Conclusions

Electrocardiographic findings after OHCA should not be considered as strict selection criteria for performing emergent CA in patients resuscitated from OHCA without obvious extra-cardiac cause; even in the absence of ST-segment elevation on post-ROSC ECG, acute culprit coronary lesions may be present and considered the trigger of cardiac arrest     

Value of post-resuscitation electrocardiogram in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients

Background

Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients is important because immediate coronary angiography with coronary angioplasty could improve outcome in this setting. However, the value of acute post-resuscitation electrocardiographic (ECG) data for the detection of AMI is debatable.

Methods

We assessed the diagnostic characteristics of post-resuscitation ECG changes in a retrospective single centre study evaluating several ECG criteria of selection of patients undergoing AMI, in order to improve sensitivity, even at the expense of specificity. Immediate post resuscitation coronary angiogram was performed in all patients. AMI was defined angiographically using coronary flow and plaque morphology criteria.

Results

We included 165 consecutive patients aged 56 (IQR 48-67) with sustained return of spontaneous circulation after OHCA between 2002 and 2008. 84 patients had shockable, 73 non-shockable and 8 unknown initial rhythm; 36% of the patients had an AMI. ST-segment elevation predicted AMI with 88% sensitivity and 84% specificity. The criterion including ST-segment elevation and/or depression had 95% sensitivity and 62% specificity. The combined criterion including ST-segment elevation and/or depression, and/or non-specific wide QRS complex and/or left bundle branch block provided a sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100%, a specificity of 46% and a positive predictive value of 52%.

Conclusion

In patients with OHCA without obvious non-cardiac causes, selection for coronary angiogram based on the combined criterion would detect all AMI and avoid the performance of the procedure in 30% of the patients, in whom coronary angiogram did not have a therapeutic role.     

Electrocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in aortic valve disease: evaluation of ECG criteria by cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Background

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a hallmark of chronic pressure or volume overload of the left ventricle and is associated with risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The purpose was to evaluate different electrocardiographic criteria for LVH as determined by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Additionally, the effects of concentric and eccentric LVH on depolarization and repolarization were assessed.

Methods

120 patients with aortic valve disease and 30 healthy volunteers were analysed. As ECG criteria for LVH, we assessed the Sokolow-Lyon voltage/product, Gubner-Ungerleider voltage, Cornell voltage/product, Perugia-score and Romhilt-Estes score.

Results

All ECG criteria demonstrated a significant correlation with LV mass and chamber size. The highest predictive values were achieved by the Romhilt-Estes score 4 points with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 81%. There was no difference in all ECG criteria between concentric and eccentric LVH. However, the intrinsicoid deflection (V6 37 ± 1.0 ms vs. 43 ± 1.6 ms, p < 0.05) was shorter in concentric LVH than in eccentric LVH and amplitudes of ST-segment (V5 -0.06 ± 0.01 vs. -0.02 ± 0.01) and T-wave (V5 -0.03 ± 0.04 vs. 0.18 ± 0.05) in the anterolateral leads (p < 0.05) were deeper.

Conclusion

By calibration with CMR, a wide range of predictive values was found for the various ECG criteria for LVH with the most favourable results for the Romhilt-Estes score. As electrocardiographic correlate for concentric LVH as compared with eccentric LVH, a shorter intrinsicoid deflection and a significant ST-segment and T-wave depression in the anterolateral leads was noted.     

Electrocardiographic algorithms for predicting the complexity of coronary artery lesions in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in ED

Objective

In reperfusion strategy for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), emergency surgical bypass grafting might be considered for patients with significant multivessel coronary diseases complicated by cardiogenic shock. The culprit lesions in STEMI can be predicted from electrocardiographic (ECG) findings. However, whether the complexity of coronary artery lesions in STEMI can be predicted from characteristic ECG findings remained unclear.

Materials and Methods

The initial 12-lead ECG parameters in each lead recording from patients with STEMI receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention within 12 hours were retrospectively analyzed. A sequential ECG algorithm was developed to predict the complexity of coronary artery lesions.

Results

In patients with inferior wall STEMI, the presence of the following 2-step criteria indicated 3-vessel disease (3VD), with a sensitivity of 92.1% and a specificity of 81.8%: (1) ST depression or flat T wave in leads V₅ or V₆; and (2) ST elevation of more than 2 mm in at least 1 of II, III, aVF, or Q (loss of septal r) without ST elevation in aVR. In patients with anterior wall STEMI, the following criteria indicated 3VD: (1) ST elevation of more than 4 mm in at least 1 of the precordial leads and combined with QRS interval of more than 120 ms; then (2) a flat T wave over aVR, or aVL combined with flat T wave ST depression over lead I or Q wave over all leads II, III, and aVF. This algorithm detects patients with 3VD with a sensitivity of 76.5% and a specificity of 100%. However, when the whole algorithm is completed, the sensitivity can reach up to 88.4% and the specificity can still be 100%.

Conclusion

By using this ECG algorithm, 3VD might be distinguished early from single-vessel disease in patients with STEMI for appropriate reperfusion strategy.     

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in the diagnosis of acute heart transplant rejection: a review

Background

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a hallmark of chronic pressure or volume overload of the left ventricle and is associated with risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The purpose was to evaluate different electrocardiographic criteria for LVH as determined by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Additionally, the effects of concentric and eccentric LVH on depolarization and repolarization were assessed.

Methods

120 patients with aortic valve disease and 30 healthy volunteers were analysed. As ECG criteria for LVH, we assessed the Sokolow-Lyon voltage/product, Gubner-Ungerleider voltage, Cornell voltage/product, Perugia-score and Romhilt-Estes score.

Results

All ECG criteria demonstrated a significant correlation with LV mass and chamber size. The highest predictive values were achieved by the Romhilt-Estes score 4 points with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 81%. There was no difference in all ECG criteria between concentric and eccentric LVH. However, the intrinsicoid deflection (V6 37 ± 1.0 ms vs. 43 ± 1.6 ms, p < 0.05) was shorter in concentric LVH than in eccentric LVH and amplitudes of ST-segment (V5 -0.06 ± 0.01 vs. -0.02 ± 0.01) and T-wave (V5 -0.03 ± 0.04 vs. 0.18 ± 0.05) in the anterolateral leads (p < 0.05) were deeper.

Conclusion

By calibration with CMR, a wide range of predictive values was found for the various ECG criteria for LVH with the most favourable results for the Romhilt-Estes score. As electrocardiographic correlate for concentric LVH as compared with eccentric LVH, a shorter intrinsicoid deflection and a significant ST-segment and T-wave depression in the anterolateral leads was noted.