Investigation of the relationship between TIMI frame count, Tp-E interval duration and Tp-E/QT ratio in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract

Background: TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) frame count is a quantitative method that objectively assesses slow coronary blood flow. In our study, corrected TIMI frame count and non-invasive parameters such as Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio were investigated after revascularization in patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI).

Methods: Patients who were admitted to our hospital with a preliminary diagnosis of STEMI between January 2020 and July 2020 were included in our study. From coronary angiography views, post-procedure corrected TIMI frame counts were measured. Pre and post-procedure Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratios from ECGs were recorded. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the corrected TIMI frame count of 27. TP-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratios between these two groups were examined.

Results: When the changes in corrected TIMI frame counts and Tp-e interval time were compared, an inverse correlation was found between the changes in Tp-e interval time and corrected TIMI frame count (r= -0.349; p = 0.001). Similarly, an inverse correlation was observed in the change in the Tp-e/QT ratio (r= -0.343; p = 0.002). Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the corrected TIMI frame count (upper limit value of 27). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of Tp-e interval (p = 0.003; p < 0.01) and Tp-e/QT ratios (p = 0.023; p < 0.05) measured in the 90th minute ECGs after revascularization.

Conclusions: Coronary antegrade blood flow can be demonstrated invasively by the non-invasive parameters TP-e interval and Tpe/QT ratio instead of corrected TIMI frame count.

Keywords: STEMI; TIMI frame count; Tp-e; Tp-e/QT; non-invasive.