title: Accuracy of low load exercise-induced T wave normalization in predicting the presence of contractile reserve after an anterior myocardial infarction.
abstract: BACKGROUND AND METHODS. Exercise-induced T wave normalization occurring at a low (less-than-or-equal50 watt) workload in infarct-related electrocardiographic leads was studied in 30 consecutive patients with a recent transmural anterior acute myocardial infarction. Patients underwent both ergometric stress testing (within 30 days after the infarction) and low dose dobutamine echocardiography. The T wave normalization was considered significant when it occurred in at least two infarct-related leads. A significant contractile reserve was considered present in an infarcted region when 50% or more of the dyskinetic segments functionally improved on exercise during dobutamine infusion. RESULTS. Eighteen patients showed exercise-induced T wave normalization (group 1), and 12 patients did not (group 2). Myocardial contractile reserve in the infarct area was detected in 16 patients of group 1 (88%) and in 3 patients (25%) of group 2 (p=0.004). The overall sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of T wave normalization, as it reflects contractile reserve in the infarct area, were 84%, 82%, and 83%, respectively. CONCLUSION. Low load exercise-induced T wave normalization in infarct-related leads appears to be an accurate marker of residual contractile reserve in the infarct area in patients with recent transmural acute anterior myocardial infarction. (c) 2000 by CHF, Inc.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Department, Hospital of Montebelluna (Treviso), Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mobilia
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Donato
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Satullo
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cavallaro
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Buchberger
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grassi