Analysis for the character of culprit lesions in patients with acute non-Q-wave myocardial infarction

Objective To approach the character of culprit lesions in patients with non-Q-wave acute myocardial infarction (NQWMI). Methods The data of 104 patients with NQWMI who underwent coronary angiography from Jan. 1996 to Dec. 2000 were analyzed. Results The total occlusion of infarct-related artery (IRA)was found in 24 patients with NQWMI constituted 23.1% of all these patients. The percentages for stenoses ≥95%, ≥90% and 90% of IRA were 37.5%, 18.3% and 21.1% respectively in all the patients. The patients with TIMI perfusion grades 0-11 constituted 62.5%. The plaque rupture was found in 71% of patients with non-total occlusion of IRA. There was collateral circulation in 75% of the patients with total occlusion of IRA. Conclusion Our study suggests that the patients with NQWMI have more severe thrombotic obstruction lesions of IRA than those with unstable angina. Reperfusion treatment would be needed in the majority of patients with NQWMI.