Vol 69, No 7 (2011)
Original articles
Published online: 2011-07-18
The prognostic value of ST−segment elevation in the lead aVR in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
DOI: 10.33963/v.kp.79235
Kardiol Pol 2011;69(7):649-654.
Abstract
Background: Electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) presents many abnormalities. There
are no data concerning prognostic significance of ST-elevation (STE) in lead aVR in patients with APE.
Aim: To assess the prevalence of STE in aVR in patients with APE and its correlation with clinical course as well as other ECG parameters recorded at admission.
Methods: The retrospective analysis of 293 patients with APE diagnosed according to the ESC guidelines (182 females, 111 males, mean age 65.4 ± 15.5 years).
Results: The STE in lead aVR was observed in 133 (45.3%) patients. In comparison with patients without STE, patients with STE in lead aVR (STaVR[+]) had significantly more often systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg on admission (27% vs 10%, p < 0.001) and positive troponin level (64.8% vs 27.9%, p < 0.001). Thrombolytic therapy (14.3% vs 5.6%, p = 0.009) and catecholamines (29.3% vs 7.5%, p < 0.001) were more frequently used in patients with STaVR(+). The overall mortality (16.5% vs 6.9%, p = 0.009) and complication rates during hospitalisation (38.3% vs 12.5%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with STaVR(+). The STaVR(+) was significantly more frequent in patients with negative T-waves in inferior leads (59.4% vs 39.4%, p < 0.001), STE in lead III (24% vs 5.6%, p < 0.001), STE in lead V1 (46.6% vs 7.5%, p < 0.001), ST depression in lead V4–V6 (48.9% vs 7.5%, p < 0.001), right bundle branch block (15.8% vs 8.1%, p = 0.04), QR sign in lead V1 (18% vs 6.2%, p < 0.001) and SI-QIII-TIII (46.6% vs 21.2%, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: The presence of STE in lead aVR in patients with APE is associated with poor prognosis. The presence of STE in lead aVR could be an easily obtainable and noninvasive ECG parameter, helpful in risk stratification of patients with APE.
Kardiol Pol 2011; 69, 7: 649–654
Aim: To assess the prevalence of STE in aVR in patients with APE and its correlation with clinical course as well as other ECG parameters recorded at admission.
Methods: The retrospective analysis of 293 patients with APE diagnosed according to the ESC guidelines (182 females, 111 males, mean age 65.4 ± 15.5 years).
Results: The STE in lead aVR was observed in 133 (45.3%) patients. In comparison with patients without STE, patients with STE in lead aVR (STaVR[+]) had significantly more often systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg on admission (27% vs 10%, p < 0.001) and positive troponin level (64.8% vs 27.9%, p < 0.001). Thrombolytic therapy (14.3% vs 5.6%, p = 0.009) and catecholamines (29.3% vs 7.5%, p < 0.001) were more frequently used in patients with STaVR(+). The overall mortality (16.5% vs 6.9%, p = 0.009) and complication rates during hospitalisation (38.3% vs 12.5%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with STaVR(+). The STaVR(+) was significantly more frequent in patients with negative T-waves in inferior leads (59.4% vs 39.4%, p < 0.001), STE in lead III (24% vs 5.6%, p < 0.001), STE in lead V1 (46.6% vs 7.5%, p < 0.001), ST depression in lead V4–V6 (48.9% vs 7.5%, p < 0.001), right bundle branch block (15.8% vs 8.1%, p = 0.04), QR sign in lead V1 (18% vs 6.2%, p < 0.001) and SI-QIII-TIII (46.6% vs 21.2%, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: The presence of STE in lead aVR in patients with APE is associated with poor prognosis. The presence of STE in lead aVR could be an easily obtainable and noninvasive ECG parameter, helpful in risk stratification of patients with APE.
Kardiol Pol 2011; 69, 7: 649–654
Keywords: acute pulmonary embolismlead aVRECGmortality
