Fragmented QRS complexes have predictive value of imperfect ST-segment resolution in patients with STEMI after primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with the fragmented QRS complexes (fQRS) and the predictive value of fQRS in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI).

Methods: The study enrolled 227 consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction who underwent p-PCI. Baseline clinical characteristics, the percentage of ST-segment resolution, and parameters of electrocardiography and coronary angiography were investigated. The relationship between fQRS on pre-PCI and post-PCI electrocardiogram and the percentage of ST-segment resolution after PCI were studied.

Results: Patients with fQRS have higher troponin I, creatine kinase-MB levels, prolonged QRS duration, higher Gensini score, lower percentage of total ST-segment resolution, and left ventricular ejection fraction compared with patients without fQRS. Gensini score (odds ratio [OR], 1.013; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002-1.024; P < .006) and percentage of total ST-segment resolution (OR, 0.384; 95% CI, 0.186-0.795; P = .01) were independently associated with the presence of fQRS. A multivariate logistic regression analysis selected presence of fQRS pre-PCI (OR, 2.908; 95% CI, 1.095-7.723; P = .032) and the number of leads with fQRS before PCI (OR, 1.582; 95% CI, 1.250-2.002; P < .001) as independent predictors of imperfect ST-segment resolution.

Conclusions: The presence of fQRS is a predictor in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing p-PCI. The occurrence of fQRS is beneficial to identify the patients with severe coronary lesion, left ventricular contraction dysfunction, and larger areas of ischemic injury.