Prediction of Left Main Coronary Artery Obstruction by 12-Lead Electrocardiography: ST Segment Deviation in Lead V6 Greater than or Equal to ST Segment Deviation in Lead V1.

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) resulting from culprit lesion in left main coronary artery (LMCA) can cause rapid hemodynamic deterioration. It is important to identify these patients early to facilitate timely revascularization. ST segment elevation in aVR greater than or equal to V₁ (aVR-V₁≥ 0) has been suggested as a sensitive predictor of LMCA disease. As a result of balanced forces, we hypothesized that ST deviation in V₆ greater than or equal to ST deviation in V₁ (V₆-V₁≥ 0) might be a good determinant of LMCA disease. Methods: We compared admission 12-lead ECGs of ACS resulting from culprit LMCA lesion (n = 75, group I) with ACS resulting from culprit left anterior descending lesion (n = 81, group II). Group I was selected over a period of 10 years. We compared V₆-V₁≥ 0 to aVR-V₁≥ 0 in both groups. We also looked at ratios of ST deviations in V₆,V₁ (V₆/V₁≥ 1) and aVR,V₁ (aVR/V₁≥ 1) in patients where ST segment in V₁ was not isoelectric (group I = 54 and group II = 55). Results: ST deviation in V₆ was significantly greater in group I as compared to group II (P < 0.001). The reliabilities of V₆-V₁≥ 0, V₆/V₁≥ 1, aVR-V₁≥ 0, and aVR/V₁≥ 1 in predicting LMCA disease were determined. Conclusion: This is the largest series of ECG analysis on ACS resulting from culprit LMCA lesion. V₆-V₁≥ 0 and V₆/V₁≥ 1 were more sensitive in predicting LMCA as culprit vessel in comparison to previously reported greater ST segment elevation in aVR than V₁. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]