Electrocardiographic changes in patients with type A acute aortic dissection. Incidence, patterns and underlying
Kazuhito Hirata1, Minoru Wake, Masahiro Kyushima
1Division of Cardiology, Okinawa Chubu Hospital, 281 Miyasato, Uruma City, Okinawa 904-2293, Japan. kheart911@yahoo.co.jp
Background:
Not only symptoms but electrocardiographic (ECG) changes mimicking acute coronary syndrome as well have been known to develop in acute aortic dissection (AAD). However, detailed information is lacking.
Objective:
We sought to evaluate incidence, patterns, and underlying mechanisms for acute ECG changes in type A AAD.
Methods:
Retrospective study in a single tertiary care hospital. A total of 159 cases (mean age 65.1±14.8 years, male/female=67/92) that presented within 12 h from the onset were included. Shift of the ST segment ≥0.1 mV or changes of the T wave were considered acute ECG changes.
Results:
Acute and chronic ECG changes were observed in 49.7% and 36.5% cases, respectively. ECG was normal only in 27.0% cases. ST elevation was observed in 8.2% cases and was closely related to direct coronary involvement. ST depression and T wave changes were observed in 34.0% and 21.4% cases, respectively. Cases with ST depression or T wave changes had higher incidence of shock (65.2% vs. 28.8%, p<0.001) and cardiac tamponade (51.2% vs. 15.0%, p<0.001) compared with those without changes.
Conclusion:
Acute ECG changes were common in type A AAD. Physicians taking care of patients with chest pain and acute ECG changes should consider the possibility of AAD before performing thrombolysis or percutaneous catheter intervention.
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