[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

Kardiologia Polska
|December 29, 2005
PubMed

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.

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