To the Editor:-Perioperative myocardial ischema leading to episodes of ST segment deviation may be caused by a reduction in myocardial perfusion. Such episodes may not be accompanied by an increase in the heart rate (HR). They are likely to be observed during an infarct in evolution. After coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, most of the myocardial infarcts (MI) occur within 16 h after the release of aortic occlusion. [1] 

ST segment oscillation, i.e., multiple brief episodes of ST segment deviation, has not been reported perioperatively though it has been described during acute MI in ambulatory patients. [2]A case of multiple brief episodes of ST segment elevation after the end of cardioplegic arrest, presumably caused by intermittent reduction in myocardial perfusion is presented.

This 58-yr-old man who underwent CABG surgery had severe stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery, moderate stenosis of the dominant right coronary artery, marked hypokinesis of mid anterior wall of the left ventricle, and an ejection fraction of 45%. [3]Perioperatively, a Holter monitor (series 8500, Marquette Electronics, Milwaukee, WI) was used to record the ECG. Bipolar ECG leads modified CM5and modified ML were recorded. [3] 

The Holter recording was processed using Marquette 8000 scanner. ST segment deviation was measured in sinus beats 60 ms after the J point. The HR and ST segment deviation values in leads CM5and ML were updated every 20 s and the trends plotted (Figure 1). Aortic occlusion ended at 10:19 h. A total of 300 mg of protamine was administered in divided doses between 11:02 h and 11:10 h.

Figure 1. The trends of heart rate (HR) in beats/min (bpm), and ST segment deviation in lead CM5(ST Delta CM5) and lead ML (ST Delta ML) after cardiopulmonary bypass.
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Figure 1. The trends of heart rate (HR) in beats/min (bpm), and ST segment deviation in lead CM5(ST Delta CM5) and lead ML (ST Delta ML) after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Figure 1. The trends of heart rate (HR) in beats/min (bpm), and ST segment deviation in lead CM5(ST Delta CM5) and lead ML (ST Delta ML) after cardiopulmonary bypass.
View largeDownload slide

Figure 1. The trends of heart rate (HR) in beats/min (bpm), and ST segment deviation in lead CM5(ST Delta CM5) and lead ML (ST Delta ML) after cardiopulmonary bypass.

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Immediately after defibrillation at the end of CPB, there was an episode of ST segment elevation. There were multiple episodes of ST segment elevation in lead ML from 12:45 h to 14:45 h. These episodes occurred in the absence of changes in HR, suggesting reduced myocardial perfusion as the etiology. Postoperatively, the highest CK-MB value was 40 IU/l. The EF by MUGA was 55.3%. There was mild hypokinesis of the interventricular septum although the anterior wall of the left ventricle had normal motion. Although ST segment oscillation was observed in inferior lead ML, motion of the inferior wall was normal postoperatively.

In ambulatory patients, in the initial phase of acute MI, intermittent flow in infarct related artery is common. ST segment deviation correlates with inadequate myocardial perfusion due to coronary occlusion and resolves due to spontaneous reperfusion. [4]Recurrence of ST segment deviation is due to reocclusion caused by increased thrombin generation and a procoagulant effect of spontaneous thrombolysis. [2]Compared to those with persistent ST segment elevation, patients with ST segment oscillation have slower development of and smaller area of myocardial necrosis, and may respond better to coronary vasodilators. Early episodes of coronary occlusion have a preconditioning effect.

In lead CM5ST segment depression occurred briefly after many of the episodes of ST segment elevation. This is consistent with ST segment elevation being associated with greater level of ischemia than ST segment depression. ST segment oscillation of the type shown in Figure 1wherein ST segment deviation is completely resolved between the episodes of deviation is rare. However, changes in the amplitude of ST segment deviation occur routinely during perioperative episodes of ST segment deviation and may correspond to changes in myocardial perfusion. When ST segment deviation changes from beat to beat, it is called ST segment alternans. [5]It signifies temporal dispersion of repolarization and may be caused by myocardial ischemia.

This case demonstrates the phenomenon of ST segment oscillation occurring after CPB presumably due to a reduction in myocardial perfusion.

Uday Jain, Ph.D., M.D.

Assistant Professor of Anesthesia

University of California, San Francisco; 4150 Clement St (129); San Francisco, California 94121

(Accepted for publication June 16, 1997.)

1.
Jain U, Laflamme CJA, Aggarwal A, Ramsay JG, Comunale ME, Ghoshal S, Ngo L, Ziola K, Hollenberg M, Mangano DT, for the McSPI Research Group: Electrocardiographic and hemodynamic changes and their association with myocardial infarction during coronary artery bypass surgery: A multicenter study. Anesthesiology 1997; 86:576-91.
2.
Haider A, Andreotti F, Hackett D, Tousoulis D, Kluft C, Maseri A, Davies G: Early spontaneous intermittent myocardial reperfusion during acute myocardial infarction is associated with augmented thrombogenic activity and less myocardial damage. J Am Coll Cardiol 1995; 26:662-7.
3.
Jain U, Wallis DE, Moran JF: Significance of electrocardiographic ST elevation during coronary artery bypass surgery. Anesth Analg 1994; 78:638-43.
4.
Krucoff MW, Croll MA, Pope JE, Granger CB, O'Connor CM, Sigmon KN, Wagner BL, Ryan JA, Lee KL, Kereiakes DJ, Samaha JK, Worley SJ, Ellis SG, Wall TC, Topol EF, Califf RM, for the TAMI 7 Study Group: Continuous 12-lead ST-segment recovery analysis in the TAMI 7 Study. Circulation 1993; 88:437-46
5.
Surawicz B, Fisch C: Cardiac alternans: Diverse mechanisms and clinical manifestations. J Am Coil Cardiol 1992; 20:483-99.
Copyright 1997 by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc.