AVR ST elevation: An important but neglected sign in ST elevation acute myocardial infarction

Cheuk Kit Wong, Wanzhen Gao, Ralph A.H. Stewart, Jocelyne Benatar, John K. French, Philip E.G. Aylward, Harvey D. White

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55 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aim This study evaluated the prognostic implications of aVR ST elevation during ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods and resultsThe Hirulog and Early Reperfusion/Occlusion-2 study randomized 17 073 patients with acute ST elevation AMI within 6 h of symptom onset to receive either bivalirudin or heparin, in addition to streptokinase and aspirin. The treatments had no effect on the primary endpoint of 30-day mortality. Electrocardiographic recordings were performed at randomization and at 60 min after commencing streptokinase. aVR ST elevation ≥1 mm was associated with higher 30-day mortality in 15 315 patients with normal intraventricular conduction regardless of AMI location (14.7 vs. 11.2 for anterior AMI, P = 0.0045 and 16.0 vs. 6.4 for inferior AMI, P < 0.0001). After adjusting for summed ST elevation and ST depression in other leads, associations with higher mortality were found with aVR ST elevation of ≥1.5 mm for anterior [odds ratio 1.69 (95 CI 1.16 to 2.45)] and of ≥1 mm for inferior AMI [odds ratio 2.41 (95 CI 1.76 to 3.30)]. There was a significant interaction between aVR ST elevation and infarct location. Thirty-day mortality was similar with anterior and inferior AMI when aVR ST elevation was present (11.5 vs. 13.2, respectively, P = 0.51 with 1 mm and 23.5 vs. 22.5 respectively, P = 0.84 with ≥ 1.5 mm ST elevation). After fibrinolytic therapy, resolution of ST elevation in aVR to <1 mm was associated with lower mortality, while new ST elevation ≥1 mm was associated with higher mortality. Conclusion aVR ST elevation is an important adverse prognostic sign in AMI.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1845-1853
Number of pages9
JournalEuropean heart journal
Volume31
Issue number15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Aug 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Electrocardiography
  • Mortality
  • Myocardial infarction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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