Dr.S.Venkatesan MD

Inferior STEMI is as  common as Anterior  STEMI .Unlike the anterior  STMI  which  auto localises  to LAD , inferior STEMI has to be fixed either RCA or LCX.

Following ECG features help localize Inferior STEMI  .

• ST elevation in lead 3 > lead 2  suggest RCA (Not always true )
• ST depression in lead V1,V2,V3 strongly suggest LCX. (More objectively the sum of  ST depression in V1, 2 , 3 divided by sum ST elevation in 2,3, AVF ,  if less than 1 indicate LCX.   Or simply ST depression  V3 > Lead 3 indicate LCX.)

• ST depression in lead 1 indicate RCA
• ST elevation in lead V6 strongly suggest LCX

Finally , and most importantly RV infarction as documented  by  ST elevation in V4R almost always localises the lesion in proximal RCA.

Role of Echo

If ECG  features  are not clear , a rapid bed side echo has a very good  localizing value. To fix RCA  look specifically for wall motion defect between “6 to  8”  O-clock position .It corresponds to  infero basal septum  that is invariably  supplied by RCA. For LCX involvement concentrate  on “3 to 6” o clock position.

Image source and courtesy http://www.aseuniversity.org

Which has better  outcome RCA or LCX STEMI ?

• Though RV infarction  does not occur with  LCX , incidence  of MR is more with LCX and  can be truly troublesome. This probably negates the potential advantage of  “protected RV”  in  LCX  STEMI.
• Since LV lateral free wall involvement  is extremely rare with RCA STEMI , it  has a lesser  impact on LV function while LCX STEMI can  give a double blow to LV   (MR and LV dysfunction)
• On the down side ,coronary artery spasm and thrombus load are more with RCA .

Interventions in RCA is fairly straightforward ,while acute LCX PCI  has some  issues . Apart from technicalities of  intubating  the posteriorly  curving LCX ,realistically it involves fishing in troubled waters , as we need to cross the left main , likely physical contacts with LAD ostium , which is the sole supply chain for the injured and ischemic LV myocardium . Meanwhile ,  If RCA  is the culprit  , its a well cordoned crime scene where one can spend time liberally and fix the lesion.

Final message 

It is easier to localisethe culprit artery in inferior STEMI ,but its a tricky  to  predict outcome .Both can be troublesome .It depends on  dominance of the RCA/LCX ,proximal nature of lesion, the number and caliber of OMs, and PLVs and RV branch .However, it remains a fact  LCX STEMI has a  overall turbulent course.