Wellens' syndrome: a classical electrocardiographic sign of impending myocardial infarction

We describe a case of previously healthy 72-year-old man, who presented with rest angina. The ECG revealed sinus rhythm, biphasic T waves with preserved R waves in V1-V4 precordial leads. Subsequent evaluation revealed the normal serum cardiac marker levels and echocardiography with the coronary angiography showing a critical lesion in the proximal left anterior descending artery. Thus it was diagnosed as Wellens' syndrome. In our case, we highlight the subtle though classical ECG findings of Wellens' syndrome and its specific angiographic correlation. It can be of vital importance to identify these changes and intervene in time appropriately so as to avoid the development of myocardial infarction that carries a substantial morbidity and mortality. Important aspects of diagnosis and management have also been reviewed.