Spatial distribution and prognostic significance of ST segment potential determined by body surface mapping in patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction.

Abstract

We investigated the mechanism and significance of ST segment changes in inferior infarction by studying 100 patients with acute inferior infarction in whom body surface maps were recorded on admission. The magnitude of the maximum ST segment elevation (denoted Vmax) and magnitude of the maximum ST segment depression (denoted Vmin), as well as the ST depression on the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram were analyzed against morbidity and mortality (at a median follow-up time of 14 months). A value obtained by subtracting Vmax from Vmin correlated (p less than .0002) with outcome. Correlations were also found between Vmin and complications, Vmin and mortality, and between increasing levels of ST depression on the 12-lead electrocardiogram and mortality. The maps were also studied by grouping the 100 ST segment map patterns into five groups by cluster analysis techniques. One group showed marked anterior negativity and had 37% mortality compared with an overall 5% mortality for the remaining groups. The limited arteriographic and autopsy data available indicated that the findings of a diseased artery or arteries corresponded with the results of mapping. The mean map patterns of the five groups showed that, in most patients with inferior infarction, the standard chest leads V1 to V6 are over a region of steep voltage gradient. Small changes in the position of the standard chest lead can cause large changes in the displayed potentials. This study indicates that patients at high risk after acute inferior infarction can be identified by surface mapping on admission to the coronary care unit.