Open AccessTerminology and diagnostic criteria for Non-Q-wave myocardial infarction
Author(s) -
B Kovacević,
M Stajnic,
Nadica Čemerlić-Ađić,
Jadranka Dejanović
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
medicinski pregled
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1820-7383
pISSN - 0025-8105
DOI - 10.2298/mpns0202028k
Subject(s) - myocardial infarction , medicine , cardiology , infarction , electrocardiography in myocardial infarction , angina , electrocardiography , troponin , myocardial infarction diagnosis
Non-Q myocardial infarction represents a specific entity of infarction. Many studies have shown that non-Q myocardial infarction differs from Q myocardial infarction not only electrocardiographically, but also from pathophysiological, histological, clinical and prognostic points of view. NON-Q MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION-TERMINOLOGY: Until 1980's, anatomical terminology depending on ECG changes was used in the literature. Subendocardial infarction referred to non-Q myocardial infarction, while transmural infarction referred to Q myocardial infarction. Since it was established that presence or absence of Q waves is a non-specific marker of transmural necrosis, in 1982 Spodick proposed the use of terms based on ECG findings. DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR NON-Q MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION: Elevation of markers of myocardial damage (CK, CK-MB, Troponin) is the most significant criterion for diagnosis of non-Q myocardial infarction. It cannot be made without this criterion because non-Q myocardial infarction may have ECG changes identical to those in unstable angina. Authors do not agree which type of initial ECG changes is the most frequent (ST elevation, ST depression or inverted T waves).