A patient with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome : Is it possible to predict the culprit coronary artery?

• In acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation (NSTE-ACS), identification of the culprit artery is, most often, not possible. In this case report, we elaborate on the likelihood of different culprit arteries in a patient with NSTE-ACS. While her symptoms were progressing, typical ECG findings of ischemia in the left coronary territories were diminishing. Instead, dynamic T-wave changes in the inferior leads were present and were most likely postischemic and "reischemic." Although the culprit artery could not be identified with certainty by means of these subtle changes, they correlated well with the findings on angiography and the ECG recorded afterward. This case report demonstrates the importance of analyzing ECG and its temporal changes in conjunction with evolving symptoms.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

Keyword

ECG

Ischemia

ST-segment elevation

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)