Associations between ECG changes and echocardiographic findings in patients with acute non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

ST segment depression (STD) and T wave inversion (TWI) are typical electrocardiographic (ECG) findings in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). In ST elevation myocardial infarction, ST changes represent transmural ischemia. The pathophysiological mechanisms of the ECG changes in NSTEMI are unclear.

PURPOSE:

We studied the associations between ECG and the echocardiographic findings in NSTEMI patients.

METHODS:

Twenty patients with acute NSTEMI were recruited during their hospital stay. A comprehensive echocardiography study was performed. The findings were compared with blinded ECG analyses.

RESULTS:

Nine (45%) patients had STD, and 16 (85%) patients had TWI. In multivariable analysis, STD was independently associated with a lower global early diastolic strain rate (β=-5.061, p=0.033). TWI was independently associated with lower circumferential strain (β=0.132, p=0.032).

CONCLUSIONS:

The typical ECG changes in NSTEMI patients were associated with subtle echocardiographic changes. STD was related to changes in diastolic function, and TWI was associated with systolic deterioration.

• Authors: Suvi Sirkku Tuohinen, Jani Rankinen, Tanja Skyttä, Heini Huhtala, Vesa Virtanen, Pirkko-Liisa Kellokumpu-Lehtinen, Pekka Raatikainen, Kjell Nikus
• Journal: Journal of electrocardiology (J Electrocardiol) 2018 Mar - Apr Vol. 51 Issue 2 Pg. 188-194 ISSN: 1532-8430 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 29174705 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Diastole (physiology)
• Echocardiography
• Electrocardiography
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Non-ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Systole (physiology)
• Ventricular Dysfunction, Left (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)