Precordial Mapping in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Serial precordial mapping was done in 30 patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction, 27 transmural and 3 subendocardial infarctions. The sum of ST elevations in the 48 lead map was designated as .SIGMA. ST. .SIGMA. ST was elevated on day 1 and tended to fall gradually. In 6 patients it was normal by day 7, and in 7 it was still abnormal by day 21. This fall roughly correlated with fall in SGOT [serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase] and CPK [creatine phosphokinase] levels. There was a tendency to more arrhythmias in the patients with higher .SIGMA. ST; of the 4 deaths in the series, 3 had very high .SIGMA. ST and high levels of SGOT. The patient with the highest .SIGMA. ST 295 died in cardiogenic shock. The number of risk factors was higher in the high .SIGMA. ST group.