ST-Segment Elevation in Lead aVR With Global ST-Segment Depression: Never Neglect Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA)

Ruchita Kabra1, Sourya Acharya1, Sandeep Kamat2

  • 1Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND.

Cureus
|August 8, 2022
PubMed

Insights

An electrocardiogram showing ST elevation in lead aVR and ST depression in other leads suggests left anterior descending artery occlusion. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for preventing complications in patients with this critical finding.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Subendocardial ischemia, often caused by oxygen supply-demand mismatch, presents unique electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns.
  • The left anterior descending (LAD) artery is a critical vessel supplying the left ventricle.

Observation:

  • A specific ECG pattern of ST-segment elevation in lead aVR with diffuse ST-segment depression in multiple leads was observed.
  • This pattern is strongly associated with proximal occlusion of the LAD artery.

Findings:

  • The case study details a patient presenting with chest pain exhibiting the characteristic ECG findings.
  • Coronary angiography confirmed proximal LAD occlusion as the sole coronary artery pathology.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of this specific ECG pattern is vital for timely diagnosis of LAD occlusion.
  • Prompt diagnosis and intervention, such as angioplasty, can significantly improve patient outcomes and prevent serious complications.

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