A new electrocardiographic algorithm to locate the occlusion in left anterior descending coronary artery.
BACKGROUND
Early prediction of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion is essential from a clinical point of view


OBJECTIVE
To develop an electrocardiogram (ECG) algorithm based on ST-segment deviations to predict the location of occlusion of LAD as a culprit artery.


METHODS
ECG and angiographic findings were correlated in 100 patients with an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI) in precordial leads V(1), V(2), and V(4) through V(6).


RESULTS
ST-depression > or = 2.5 mm in leads III + ventricular fibrillation (VF) presents sensitivity (SE) of 77% and specificity (SP) of 84% for LAD occlusion proximal to the first diagonal artery (D1). ST-segment in III + VF isoelectric or elevated, presents SE of 44% and SP of 100% for LAD occlusion distal to D1. Subsequent analysis of the equation summation operator of ST-deviation in VR + V(1) - V(6) < 0, allows us to predict occlusion distal to first septal artery (S1) with 100% SP. On the other hand, any ST-depression in III + VF > 0.5 mm + summation operator of ST-deviation in VR + V(1) - V(6) > or = 0 identifies a high-risk group (lower ejection fraction, worse Killip findings, higher peak of CPK and CK-MB, and major adverse cardiac events [MACE]: death, reinfarction, recurrent angina, persistent left ventricular failure, or sustained ventricular arrhythmia during hospitalization).


CONCLUSIONS
This sequential ECG algorithm based on ST-segment deviations in different leads allowed us to predict the location of occlusion in LAD with good accuracy. Cases with proximal LAD occlusion present the most markers of poor prognosis. We recommend the use of the algorithm in everyday clinical practice.
Fiol
Miguel
M
Son Dureta University Hospital and University Institute for Investigation on Health Sciences, Coronary and Critical Care Unit, Barcelona. mfiol@hotmail.com
Carrillo
Andrés
A
Cygankiewicz
Iwona
I
Velasco
Julio
J
Riera
Maria
M
Bayés-Genis
Antoni
A
Gómez
Alfredo
A
Peral
Vicente
V
Bethencourt
Armando
A
Goldwasser
Diego
D
Molina
Fredis
F
Bayés de Luna
Antoni
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D054059:Coronary Occlusion / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013997:Time Factors; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology