T wave abnormalities identify patients with previous lateral wall myocardial infarction and circumflex artery disease

Background: The diagnosis of previous lateral myocardial infarction is based on QRS morphology. Objectives: To explore the diagnostic role of T wave abnormalities.Methods: We studied 166 patients with known or suspected ischemic heart disease who underwent a 12-lead electrocardiogram, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, and coronary arteriography within 90 days. We excluded patients with bundle-branch block, hypertrophy, or paced rhythm.Results: Only one patient had a prominent R wave in V-1, no patient showed lateral Q waves of necrosis. T wave amplitude in V-2-V-6 >= 0.6 mV, and T wave amplitude in lead 1 + V-6 <= 0 mV detected a lateral infarction (sensitivity 33 and 44%, specificity 83 and 80%). T wave amplitude in lead 1 + V-6 <= 0 mV was the only independent predictor of infarction or LCx occlusion (AUC 0.72 and 0.74). Serum potassium values were not associated with T wave abnormalities.Conclusion: T wave abnormalities identify previous lateral infarction and LCx disease. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Inc.