Wellens' syndrome

Background

• T wave abnormality that is associated with critical LAD stenosis
  • Finding can be transient (Persists for hrs after pain has resolved and then disappear)

Criteria

1. Biphasic T waves in leads V2 and V3 OR symmetric, often deeply inverted T waves in V2-V3
2. See example below
   1. A) biphasic pattern and B) inversion pattern
3. Prior history of chest pain
4. Little or no cardiac enzyme elevation
5. No pathologic precordial Q waves
6. Little or no ST-segment elevation
7. No loss of precordial R waves

Treatment

1. Urgent cardiac catheterization

Example

Source

Wellens’ Syndrome. Annals of Emergency Medicine, March, 1999.