Transient segmental asynergy of the left ventricle of patients with various clinical manifestations possibly unrelated to the coronary artery disease

Abstract

Eight cases of transient reversible segmental asynergy of the left ventricle thought not to be related to coronary artery lesions are reported. Three cases were associated with inflammatory reactions of unknown origin, and one each with lactic acidosis, abdominal surgery, hypoglycemia, tetanus and pneumonia. None of the patients had symptoms suggestive of ischemic heart disease before or after these episodes. Electrocardiograms before these episodes were all normal. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed to evaluate abnormal electrocardiograms. Coronary angiography was performed in 4 of 8 cases and was normal in all 4 cases; 2 done as emergencies and 2 non-emergencies. Two ergonovine tests were negative. Left ventricular wall motion abnormalities, present mainly at the apex of the left ventricle, returned to normal in 1 to 4 weeks. Giant negative T waves in the chest leads during this recovery period were characteristic electrocardiographic features and normalized in 6 weeks on average. We believe that these episodes were not related to ischemia due to coronary artery disease, but to some metabolic humoral factors. An excellent prognosis can be expected if these abnormal metabolic circumstances can be resolved.