Transient increase in ST-segment changes at time of reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction treated by coronary angioplasty

Purpose. The clinical significance of early ST-segment re-elevation, a so called "reperfusion peak" in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with thrombolysis is unclear. We examined the incidence and significance of early ST-segment re-elevation immediately upon reperfusion in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) where the time of reperfusion can be precisely established. Methods. Thirty-two patients (6 women, 26 men, age 61.5 +/- 10.2 years) with an AMI, admitted less than four hours after the onset of chest pain, were included. Twenty-four patients were treated with primary PTCA and eight with rescue PTCA. Computerized on-line vectorcardiography was used for continuous ischemia monitoring. A reperfusion peak was defined as an increase in ST-vector magnitude (ST-VM) of > 50 mu V, starting within two minutes after the re-opening of the infarct-related coronary artery and followed by an immediate decrease in the ST segment. Results. Primary success was achieved in all treated patients. Twenty of the patients (63%) developed a reperfusion peak. ST-VM before coronary angiography was significantly larger (p = 0.004) and peak enzyme levels were higher (p = 0.014) in patients who developed a reperfusion peak. Thrombolytic treatment prior to rescue angioplasty, time to reperfusion, target vessel, presence of collaterals or medication on admission did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusion. The occurrence of a reperfusion peak during the minutes after the onset of reperfusion is a common finding in patients with AMI treated at an early stage with angioplasty. There is a relationship with the occurrence of a reperfusion peak and the extent of the initial ST deviation (presumably reflecting the myocardium at risk) and peak enzyme levels. The importance of a reperfusion peak for clinical outcome and prognosis is so far not known.