[Significance of reciprocal ST-segment depression in the acute stage of transmural myocardial infarct].

19 patients with transitory ST-segment depression in the wall opposite the infarcted territory during acute transmural myocardial infarction (AMI) were studied. We investigated the reproducibility of this reciprocal ST depression induced by stress testing and correlated the ECG changes with coronary angiographic evaluation of arteries supplying the remote area. We tried to derive criteria for detection of simple mirror image. 3 different groups were defined according to ECG evolution: Group 1 consisted of 7 anterior and 3 inferior AMI where reciprocal ECG changes disappeared appeared within 24 to 48 hours independently of the ECG changes in the infarcted area. These ST depressions were reproduced by stress testing one to two months later, and correlated angiographically with an anatomic lesion. 7 out of 10 patients later had bypass graft surgery. Group 2 consisted of 7 patients in whom posterior wall extension of an inferior AMI made the diagnosis of anterior ischemia impossible. In another two patients (one anterior and one inferior AMI) reciprocal ST depression and infarcted area ECG changes showed a simultaneous evolution. The reciprocal ST depression could not be reproduced during stress testing and did not correlate with any angiographic lesion. It is concluded that reciprocal ST depression during the acute phase of transmural anterior or purely inferior myocardial infarction is correlated with multivessel coronary disease if their regression is not strictly simultaneous to the infarction-related ECG changes. Further investigations are indicated in these patients.