Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026
07:17
Remotely Triggered LAD Occlusion Using a Balloon Catheter in Spontaneously Breathing Mice
Published on: March 22, 2024
New subtle anterior Q-wave and LAD occlusion
János Tomcsányi1, Lilli Kollár1, Marcell Csákányi1
1Department of Cardiology, Hospital of the Hospitaller Brothers of St John of God Budapest, Hungary.
Journal of Electrocardiology
|June 27, 2026
Summary
Subtle anterior Q-waves on an electrocardiogram (ECG) may indicate a blocked left anterior descending coronary artery, even without ST-segment elevation. This finding is crucial for diagnosing myocardial infarction promptly.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Myocardial infarction (MI) diagnosis relies heavily on electrocardiogram (ECG) findings.
- ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) has clear ECG indicators, but non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI) can present with subtle changes.
- Early detection of coronary artery occlusion is critical for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic significance of subtle anterior Q-waves in the context of myocardial infarction.
- To emphasize the potential for early identification of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion.
- To improve the recognition of atypical ECG presentations in acute coronary syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 59-year-old patient presenting with symptoms of myocardial infarction.
- 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis focusing on anterior leads.
- Coronary angiography to confirm coronary artery patency.
Main Results:
- The patient's ECG showed subtle abnormalities in anterior leads, without diagnostic ST-segment elevation.
- Coronary angiography revealed a complete occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery.
- The findings correlated the subtle ECG changes with significant coronary artery disease.
Conclusions:
- Newly appearing subtle anterior Q-waves on ECG can be a critical early sign of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for acute coronary syndromes even with non-diagnostic ECGs.
- This case underscores the importance of detailed ECG interpretation in patients with suspected myocardial infarction.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
01:18Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
01:20Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
01:15Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...