[A correlative study of ECG and coronary arteriogram findings after acute myocardial infarction]

To evaluate the electrocardiographic value in the prediction of reperfusion state of the infarct-related artery (IRA), serial changes in ST segment elevation were assessed in 38 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). ST segment elevation decreased by 35% or more within 8 hours of peak sigma ST in 16 of the 20 patients with subtotal occlusion, but in none of the patients with total occlusion of the IRA (P less than 0.01). Myocardial infarct size estimated by peak serum CK-MB, sigma Q and QRS score was smaller and left ventricular function was better in patients with rapid resolution of ST segment elevation than in those with persistent ST elevation. The study indicates that a fall of ST segment elevation by 35% or more of the peak sigma ST within 8 hours of infarction may be a useful indicator of early reperfusion of the IRA in patients with AMI.