Early repolarization in the inferolateral leads predicts the presence of vasospastic angina: a novel predictor in patients with resting angina.

BACKGROUND

An association between early repolarization and ventricular fibrillation has recently been reported in patients with vasospastic angina (VSA). However, no studies have clarified whether the presence of early repolarization can predict VSA.

METHODS

Participants comprised 286 patients (136 males) with clinically suspected VSA who underwent intracoronary provocation tests using acetylcholine or ergonovine. Patients were divided into a VSA group [n = 94, positive provocation test as induction of coronary arterial spasm (>90% stenosis)] and a non-VSA group (n = 192). Detailed early repolarization data were compared between groups.

RESULTS

The VSA group showed a higher frequency of smokers (28.7%) than the non-VSA group (17.2%; P = 0.02). On baseline 12-lead ECG, early repolarization (defined as a J-point elevation ≥0.1 mV from baseline in both or either of inferolateral leads) was found in 39 patients (inferior leads, n = 27; inferolateral leads, n = 12). Early repolarization was found more frequently in the VSA group (28.7%) than in the non-VSA group (6.2%, P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed early repolarization as an independent predictor of VSA (odds ratio, 5.22; 95% confidence interval, 2.41-11.2; P < 0.01). Early repolarization pattern features including inferior lead, higher amplitude, notched type and horizontal/descending ST segments were associated with increased risk of VSA.

CONCLUSION

In patients with resting chest pain, early repolarization was a predictor of VSA that could be particularly related to the inferior lead, higher amplitude, notched type and horizontal/descending ST segment.