The predictive value of an ECG-estimated Acute Ischemia Index for prognosis of myocardial salvage and infarct healing 3 months following inferior ST-elevated myocardial infarction

Background and purpose: Identification of prognostic markers can be used to stratify patients in the acute phase of ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) according to their potential to retain viable myocardium after reperfusion. The percentage of the myocardial area at risk (MaR) that is ischemic at admission, defined as the Acute Ischemia Index, is potentially salvageable. The percentage of the MaR viable at 3 months post-reperfusion, by salvage and healing, was defined as the Chronic Salvage Index. A positive relationship between the Acute Ischemia Index and the Chronic Salvage Index was hypothesized. Methods: Both indices were assessed by using the ECG indices Aldrich ST and Selvester QRS scores estimating the ischemic and infarcted myocardium. The study population comprised inferior STEMI patients. (N=59). Results: A correlation of 0.253 (P=0.053) was found. Conclusions: These results are relevant and suggest evidence of a trend in the association between these indices.