A method of precordial cartography in the evaluation of the severity of the necrotic phase of posterior myocardial infarction

: A study of 61 patients with acute left ventricular posterior myocardial infarction examined ventricular complex variations, recorded from standard and precordial leads; in fatal cases, ECG findings were compared with pathoanatomical studies of the heart. Precordial mapping was shown to considerably increase the efficiency of electrocardiographic diagnosis of posterior myocardial infarction, permitting more accurate assessment of the site and spread of the infarction focus. Changes of the ST segment and summary R(V1-V4)20 amplitude may serve as an indicator of the severity of posterior myocardial infarction, and an instrument of early outcome prognosis.