Significance of Inferior Abnormal Q-Waves in Predicting Inferior Wall Motion Abnormalities

Five-hundred consecutive patients were evaluated to determine the value of inferior pathologic Q waves in predicting the presence and severity of inferior wall motion abnormalities (IWMA) defined by ventriculography. An abnormal Q-wave was defined as one lasting longer than 0.03 sec and having an amplitude greater than a quarter of the R-wave. IWMA were present in 135 patients. Abnormal Q waves were absent in inferior leads in 52 patients (39 %) with IWMA. Among 122 patients with pathological Q waves. IWMA was present in 83 (68 %). Abnormal Q wave seen in only one lead was not predictive of IWMA, however, abnormal Q waves seen in all three leads were associated frequently (44 %) with IWMA. No significant association was found between the degree of IWMA and the number of inferior leads with Q waves.