The relationship between T-wave polarity and clinical as well as angiographic findings in the early stage of acute myocardial infarction.
BACKGROUND
Restoration of a positive T-wave in the chronic stage of myocardial infarction (MI) is usually seen in patients with a non-Q-wave (non-transmural) MI, where a viable tissue is present. The causes and significance of a positive T-wave in the early phase of acute MI are not clear.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate angiographic and clinical characteristics of patients with a positive T-wave in the early stage of acute MI.


METHODS
We evaluated the clinical and angiographic data in relation to T-wave polarity in 188 patients with acute MI. Coronary risk factors, pre-infarction angina, CK-MB level, left ventricular ejection fraction and angiographic findings were analysed. Death, cardiogenic shock, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation and high-degree atrioventricular block were regarded as in-hospital complications. All electrocardiograms were divided into two groups, according to the shape of the T-wave, as exhibiting a positive T-wave or negative T-wave.


RESULTS
A positive T-wave was present in 30 (15.9%) patients. None of the patients with a positive T-wave had three-vessel disease compared with 21.5% of patients with a negative T-wave (p <0.04). In-hospital complication rates were similar in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with a positive T-wave in the early phase of acute MI have significantly less frequently three-vessel disease than patients with a negative T-wave.
Balci
Bahattin
B
Istasyon Mahallesi, Saadet Caddesi, 55060 Samsun, Turkey. bahattinbalci@ttnet.net.tr
Yesildag
Osman
O
Aksakal
Emre
E
Meric
Murat
M
Ibrahimov
Firdovsi
F
D001283:Atrioventricular Node / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors