ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CRITERIA FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF RIGHT-VENTRICULAR INVOLVEMENT IN THE SETTING OF ACUTE INFERIOR INFARCTION

Surface electrocardiograph of twelve cases of isolated left ventricula r inferior infarction and 24 cases of biventricular inferior infarctio n confirmed by two-dimensional echocardiography were analysed. ST segm ent elevation in lead III more than in lead II and ST segment depressi on in leads I and aVL were highly sensitive in diagnosing right ventri cular involvement. ST segment depression in lead V3 equal to or greate r than ST segment elevation in lead III was highly specific but had lo w sensitivity. These findings can be helpful in cases where right side d chest leads have not been recorded or are inconclusive. (C) 1997 Els evier Science Ireland Ltd.