New ECG Algorithm for the Prediction of Culprit Vessel in Acute Myocardial Infarction Involving Lateral Part of the...

Isolated lateral myocardial infarction sometimes does not meet ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) criteria according to contiguous leads. This condition could cause late diagnosis and the need for revascularization therapy.

To accurately predict the occlusion of lateral surface of the left ventricle, we defined a new electrocardiogram (ECG) algorithm by using angiographic and electrocardiographic correlations.

This was a retrospective, multicenter observational study. The study population consisted of 200 patients with STEMI affecting lateral surface of myocardium, between 2021 and 2022. According to the coronary angiography results, we identified 74 eligible patients for study protocol. The study patients were divided into two groups: isolated DB (14 patients) or circumflex obtuse marginal group (60 patients).

ST depression in lead V2 had high positive predictive values for the prediction of obtuse marginal occlusion (positive predictive values (PPV), 100%; negative predictive value (NPV), 90%). ST elevation in V2 in ECG, in conjunction with ST depression in lead III had high positive predictive values for prediction of diagonal branch of LAD. Moreover, the presence of hyperacute T wave (≥10 mm) in lead V2 and ≥2 mm ST depression in lead III had large diagonal branch of LAD (PPV, 98%; NPV, 100%). However, <10 mm T wave in lead V2 and <2 mm ST depression in lead III had small diagonal branch of LAD.

We comprehensively classified the lateral STEMI definition through new electrocardiographic scheme as Ilkay classification, whereby we could accurately predict infarct-related artery and its occlusion level in lateral myocardial infarction.