Combined Prognostic Utility of ST Segment in Lead aVR and Troponin T on Admission in Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes

Many studies have shown that ST-segment depression is a strong predictor of poor outcomes in patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACSs); however, lead aVR was not considered in these studies. The present study examined the prognostic usefulness of the 12-lead electrocardiogram in combination with biochemical markers in 333 patients with NSTE-ACS. ST-segment deviation of ≥0.5 mm was considered clinically significant. Coronary angiography was performed a median of 3 days after admission in all patients. The primary end point was the composite of death, myocardial infarction, and urgent revascularization at 90 days. ST-segment elevation in lead aVR (odds ratio 13.8, 95% confidence interval 1.43 to 100.9, p = 0.03) and increased troponin T (odds ratio 7.9, 95% confidence interval 1.22 to 123.8, p = 0.04) were the only independent predictors of restricted events (death or myocardial infarction) at 90 days. ST-segment elevation in lead aVR (odds ratio 12.8, 95% confidence interval 4.80 to 33.9, p