ST elevation in ECG lead aVR signals severe acute left main coronary artery disease
A Ghosh Dastidar, P Garg, J N West
1Dept Cardiovascular Science, University of Sheffield, Room M116, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill, Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX.
Insights
ST elevation in lead aVR on ECG can indicate severe left main coronary artery disease in acute coronary syndrome patients. Early recognition and referral for percutaneous coronary intervention are crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) requires prompt diagnosis and management.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a critical tool for assessing ACS.
- ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has characteristic ECG findings.
Observation:
- ST elevation in lead aVR is an underappreciated ECG finding.
- This specific ECG pattern was observed in patients with severe left main coronary artery disease.
- A case series of 6 patients highlighted this association.
Findings:
- The predominant ECG feature in 6 patients with severe left main coronary artery disease was ST elevation in lead aVR.
- Angiography confirmed significant left main coronary artery disease in all cases.
- This highlights a critical diagnostic clue for a high-risk ACS presentation.
Implications:
- Early identification of ST elevation in aVR is vital for patients with suspected ACS.
- Prompt referral to specialized centers for percutaneous coronary intervention is essential.
- This finding can improve management strategies for acute left main coronary artery disease.
Abstract:
Patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome are commonly assessed by acute physicians on arrival in hospital. Although most will recognise the typical ECG features of ST elevation myocardial infarction, the significance of ST elevation in lead aVR may not always be appreciated. This case series describes 6 cases in which this ECG abnormality was the predominant feature in patients whose subsequent angiogram revealed severe acute left main coronary artery disease. The importance of early referral of such patients to a centre in which percutaneous coronary intervention can be performed, is discussed.
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