Spatial repolarization abnormalities in old myocardial infarction

J Electrocardiol. 2005 Jul;38(3):264-70. doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2005.03.001.

Abstract

Conventional electrocardiogram criteria for myocardial infarction (MI) rely on QRS features, but ST-T segment is also affected. We recorded body surface potential mapping in 24 patients with prior MI and in 24 controls. T-wave maximum amplitude and QRS and ST-T integrals were automatically determined. Old MI was verified by magnetic resonance imaging. ST-T integral and T-wave maximum amplitude outperformed QRS integral in detecting MI, with area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 94%, 95%, and 83%, respectively. ST-T integral performed better in non-Q-wave than Q-wave MI, with area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 97% and 92%, respectively. QRS integral correlated negatively with ST-T integral in patients with MI (r = -0.58, P < .001) and positively in controls (r = 0.45, P < .001). In conclusion, ST-T integral proved equal to QRS integral in old MI detection. Inclusion of ventricular repolarization phase and development of electrocardiographic analysis over larger chest area may improve the QRS-based diagnosis of old myocardial infarction.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Area Under Curve
  • Body Surface Potential Mapping* / methods
  • Body Surface Potential Mapping* / statistics & numerical data
  • Electrocardiography / methods
  • Electrocardiography / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Heart Ventricles / pathology
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / classification
  • Myocardial Infarction / physiopathology*
  • ROC Curve