Wellens syndrome: a life-saving diagnosis.
Published
Journal Article
The diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome relies on clinical history, electrocardiographic (ECG) changes, and cardiac biomarkers; but within the spectrum of acute coronary syndrome, there exist subtle presentations that cannot afford to be overlooked. Wellens syndrome is one such example, in which a patient can present with both ECG changes that are not classic for myocardial ischemia and negative cardiac biomarkers. The characteristic ECG findings associated with Wellens syndrome consist of deep, symmetric T-wave inversions in the anterior precordial leads. However, Wellens syndrome can also present as biphasic T-wave inversions in those same ECG leads. The associated critical stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending artery carries an immediately life-threatening prognosis if not recognized promptly (Am Heart J. 1982;103[4 Pt 2]:730-736). We describe a case of a less common manifestation of Wellens syndrome (type 1) followed by a discussion of its implications and management.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Parikh, KS; Agarwal, R; Mehrotra, AK; Swamy, RS
Published Date
- January 2012
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 30 / 1
Start / End Page
- 255.e3 - 255.e5
PubMed ID
- 21106319
Pubmed Central ID
- 21106319
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1532-8171
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.10.014
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States