Prognostic value of ST-segment resolution after rescue percutaneous coronary intervention. Data from the RICO survey

The goal of the present study was to test the impact of ST segment resolution (STR) after rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the short-term prognosis.

The prognostic value of STR after rescue PCI for acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains undetermined.

From the French regional database, we analyzed 168 consecutive patients with STEMI and failed lysis, defined by <50 percent STR, who underwent rescue PCI. Patients were classified into two groups according to the degree of STR from the maximal ST-elevation measured on the single worst ECG lead before lysis and after rescue PCI: the without STR group (<50% STR) vs. the with STR group (> or =50%).

After rescue PCI, 26 (15%) patients did not have STR and 142 (85%) patients did. No difference was observed between the two groups regarding baseline characteristics, risk factors, and median time delay either from symptom onset to thrombolysis or from failed lysis to rescue PCI. We observed a lower proportion of patients with TIMI 2/3 flow post PCI in the without STR group (respectively 61% vs. 97%, P < 0.001) but an increased use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (34% vs. 8%, P < 0.001) in this group. Thirty-day mortality was markedly higher in the without STR group than in the with STR group (27% vs. 9% respectively, P = 0.025). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that absence of STR (OR: 5.65; 95% CI: 1.24-25.67), was an independent prognostic factor for mortality.

We showed for the first time that analysis of ST-segment resolution may be a simple reliable tool to identify patients at high risk after rescue PCI, and may provide useful information for the elaboration of therapeutic strategies.