[Wellens's syndrome -- the ominous T-waves]
Zbigniew Orzałkiewicz1, Gwidon Polak, Romuald Przybył
1Zakład Hemodynamiki, Oddział Kardiologii, Wielospecjalistyczny Szpital Miejski, 85-862 Bydgoszcz, ul. Szpitalna 19. kardiologia.inwazyjna@szpitalbydg.pl
Insights
Wellens's syndrome, characterized by specific T-wave changes, indicates critical coronary artery stenosis. Prompt diagnosis and revascularization are crucial to prevent myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Wellens's syndrome is a clinical presentation associated with critical proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis.
- It is characterized by specific electrocardiographic (ECG) findings: biphasic or deeply inverted T-waves in precordial leads.
Observation:
- The study presents three patients diagnosed with Wellens's syndrome.
- These patients had a history of acute coronary syndrome but normal serum cardiac markers.
- ECG findings were observed during a pain-free interval.
Findings:
- Wellens's syndrome signifies a high risk of anterior wall myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death within weeks.
- The underlying pathology is critical stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending artery.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and intervention, including coronary angiography and revascularization (PCI or CABG), are essential.
- T-wave changes typically resolve within 12 months post-revascularization, indicating successful treatment.
Abstract:
We describe three patients with Wellens's syndrome: biphasic T-waves or deeply inverted T-waves in the precordial leads plus a history of acute coronary syndrome without serum marker abnormalities. Wellens's syndrome is due to critical stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending artery and there is a high risk for anterior wall myocardial infarction and/or sudden cardiac death within a few weeks. Early coronary angiography with subsequent PCI or CABG should be performed in these patients. The T-wave changes usually occur during a pain-free interval but resolve within 12 months after revascularisation.
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