ABSTRACT
Background: The Electrocardiogram remains a crucial tool in the identification and management of acute myocardial infarction. A detailed analysis of patterns of ST segment elevation may influence decisions regarding the perfusion therapy. This study was undertaken to study the role of ECG in identifying the infarct related artery in acute ST elevation MI and to correlate its findings with 2 D ECHO and Coronary angiogram.Methods: A total of 100 patients who presented with acute ST elevation MI were randomly selected for the study. After admission all the patients underwent ECG, CPK, CK-MB levels, 2D ECHO and CAG. Patients with ST segment elevation from ECG was evaluated to identify culprit vessel and the ECG findings were then correlated with 2D ECHO and CAG to identify the Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive predictive value and Negative predictive value of ECG in identifying the infarct related artery.Results: Fifty-two (52%) patients had an Anterior wall MI, forty-two patients (42%) had an evidence of Inferior wall MI and Six patients (6%) were found to have Antero inferior wall MI in the study group. Thirty-eight (38%) had evidence of SVD, forty-six patients (46%) had DVD and Sixteen patients (16%) had TVD. Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV and NPV of the ECG in identifying the LAD artery occlusion were 60.5%, 100%, 100% and 44.4% respectively. Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV and NPV of ECG in identifying the RCA artery occlusion were 78.5%, 100%, 100% and 78.5% respectively. Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV and NPV of the ECG in identifying the LCx artery occlusion were 26%, 96%, 86% and 60% respectively.Conclusions: ECG was found to be a sensitive and specific tool in identifying the infarct related Coronary artery in acute ST elevation MI.