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Electrocardiography (ECG) during angina showed an ST-segment elevation resembling the Greek letter λ (lambda) and a striking increase in R wave amplitude (> 15 mm) in leads V2–V5 (prominent anterior QRS forces), loss of septal Q waves in V5–V6 and ST-segment elevation in II, aVF and III (Fig. 1). Emergency angiography revealed an obstructive stenosis in the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery (Fig. 2), which was successfully treated with stenting.
ECG showed intermittent changes compatible with a conduction disturbance or block in the left septal fascicle (LSF), which is a third distinct division of the left bundle branch proceeding to the middle third of the left septal surface towards the apex [1]. Indeed, of all causes of prominent anterior QRS forces, only left septal fascicular block (LSFB) can manifest as intermittent ECG changes [1]. Durrer et al. demonstrated breakthrough activation through the LSF by using isolated, perfused human hearts, thereby for the first time proving its existence [2]. Ischaemia-induced LSFB has been associated with lesions in the proximal LAD coronary artery, the septal branches of which provide the entire blood supply of the LSF [1]. In our patient, ischaemic ST-segment elevation and LSFB were probably due to vasospasm at the site of the LAD artery lesion compromising blood flow in the first septal branch found in the immediate vicinity.
A precordial lambda-like ST-segment elevation comprises a prominent J wave merging with an elevated ST-segment and indicates an increased risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias. ECG recognition of LSFB in acute coronary syndromes manifesting with this type of ST-segment elevation should alert physicians to the presence of a proximal LAD artery culprit lesion and prompt aggressive therapy including emergency angiography [3].
References
Riera PAR, Ferreira C, Ferreira Filho C, et al. Electrovectorcardiographic diagnosis of left septal fascicular block: anatomic and clinical considerations. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol. 2011;16:196–207.
Durrer D, van Dam RT, Freud GE, Janse MJ, Meijler FL, Arzbaecher RC. Total excitation of the isolated human heart. Circulation. 1970;41:899–912.
Sato A, Tanabe Y, Chinushi M, et al. Analysis of J waves during myocardial ischaemia. Europace. 2012;14:715–23.
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A.Y. Andreou and A.R. Pérez-Riera declare that they have no competing interests.
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Andreou, A.Y., Pérez-Riera, A.R. Electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation with prominent R waves in precordial leads. Neth Heart J 30, 490–492 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12471-022-01696-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12471-022-01696-6