Continuing Education Activity

Lateral wall myocardial infarction (MI) is an uncommon acute myocardial infarction resulting from atherosclerotic plaque rupture and thrombus formation in the left circumflex coronary artery or one of its branches. Representing about 15% to 20% of MIs, lateral wall infarctions often cause subtle or atypical chest discomfort compared to anterior or inferior MIs. Diagnosis can be challenging, as electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in the lateral leads are often subtle and may be easily overlooked. Patients with risk factors for coronary artery disease and atypical symptoms require careful ECG interpretation and possibly echocardiography for accurate identification.

This course provides healthcare professionals with essential skills to recognize and manage lateral wall MI, focusing on the nuances of ECG changes, treatment strategies, and potential complications. Participants gain proficiency in using diagnostic tools and implementing timely reperfusion therapies, which are critical for improving patient outcomes. By fostering collaboration within an interprofessional team—including cardiologists, emergency providers, and nurses—clinicians enhance care coordination, ensuring rapid diagnosis and intervention. This team-based approach is essential for optimizing patient care and minimizing myocardial damage in cases of lateral wall MI.

Objectives:

• Differentiate lateral wall myocardial infarction from other types of myocardial infarction by noting specific electrocardiogram changes in lateral leads—ensuring accurate diagnosis.

• Screen patients with risk factors or atypical symptoms for potential lateral wall myocardial infarction using careful electrocardiogram and clinical assessment.

• Implement immediate reperfusion strategies and evidence-based treatment protocols for managing acute lateral wall myocardial infarction.

• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to manage lateral wall myocardial infarction and coordinate a comprehensive cardiovascular care plan.

Introduction

Like other acute myocardial infarctions, isolated lateral wall myocardial infarction (LMI) arises from acute atherosclerotic plaque rupture with subsequent thrombus formation in the left circumflex (LCx) coronary artery or one of its branches. Myocardial infarctions more commonly result from extensive anterolateral wall involvement due to blockage of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. LMI is less common than anterior or inferior myocardial infarction, with the LCx involved in approximately 15% to 20% of all myocardial infarctions. LMI presents like other types of myocardial infarction. The condition is often detected through lateral electrocardiogram (ECG) lead changes; acute treatment includes immediate reperfusion. 

Myocardial infarctions are classified based on presenting ECG findings and the location of ischemia. Branches of the LAD and LCx supply the left ventricular lateral wall. Isolated lateral wall involvement is uncommon and typically occurs as part of multiterritorial infarctions, including anterolateral, posterolateral, and inferolateral myocardial infarctions (see Image. Anterolateral Myocardial Infarction on Electrocardiography). Occlusion of the obtuse LCx marginal branch or the diagonal LAD branch can cause isolated LMI.

The 2018 collaborative expert consensus from the European Society of Cardiology, American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and World Heart Federation issued the fourth universal definition of myocardial infarction, defining type I myocardial infarction as a rise or fall in cardiac troponin, with at least 1 value exceeding the ninety-ninth percentile and accompanied by at least 1 of the following factors:

• Symptoms of acute myocardial infarction
• New signs of ischemia on ECG
• The occurrence of pathological Q waves
• New wall motion abnormality or loss of viable myocardium, as evident on imaging
• Coronary thrombus identification on angiography [1]

Etiology

Causes of LMI include several conditions that can lead to the occlusion of the arteries supplying the lateral segments. These conditions include:

• Acute atherosclerotic plaque rupture with subsequent thrombus formation in the LCx or its branches or as part of a multiterritorial infarction, as occurs in pathologies involving the anterolateral, posterolateral, or inferolateral regions
• Coronary artery spasm
• Spontaneous coronary artery dissection
• Coronary artery embolism that may arise from a condition such as an atrial myxoma, atrial fibrillation, infective endocarditis, rheumatic valve disease, or mitral stenosis
• Autoimmune conditions such as Takayasu arteritis
• Myocardial bridging
• Congenital coronary artery anomalies
• Coronary microvascular disease

Epidemiology

While LMI is less commonly reported in isolation than anterior or inferior myocardial infarctions, it may also be underdiagnosed due to subtler presentations and challenges in detecting LMIs on ECG. LMIs are most often related to blockages in the LCx or its branches. The LCx is involved in approximately 15% to 20% of all myocardial infarctions. The LAD is involved more frequently, in around 40% to 50% of myocardial infarctions, while the right coronary artery is responsible for 30% to 40%. Therefore, LMI, associated with the LCx, tends to represent a smaller subset of myocardial infarctions than those involving the LAD or the right coronary artery.

The global incidence of myocardial infarction varies by region, age, gender, and risk factors. In high-income countries, the incidence of myocardial infarction is approximately 100 to 200 cases per 100,000 population per year, with rates decreasing due to improvements in preventive measures. Recent trends suggest that the incidence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has declined, and the incidence of non ST-elevation myocardial infarction has increased.[2] Around 25% to 40% of myocardial infarction cases present as STEMI; among affected individuals, 23% have diabetes. Results from a study based on atherosclerosis risk in communities reported an overall LMI incidence of 13.4% among patients presenting with STEMI.[3] 

Pathophysiology

Atherosclerotic plaques with large lipid-rich cores and covered by a thin, fibrous cap are extremely unstable and susceptible to rupture. Such plaques may not necessarily cause obstruction. Metalloproteases and cytokines released by T lymphocytes and macrophages present at the plaque site weaken the fibrous tissue, rendering it vulnerable to erosion.[4] Sudden acute plaque rupture exposes subendothelial collagen, which serves as a nidus for future platelet adhesion and activation. Thromboxane A2, 5-hydroxytryptamine, platelet-activating factor, and adenosine diphosphate released by platelets promote platelet aggregation and vessel vasoconstriction. Activation of the coagulation cascade results in fibrin formation and stabilization of occlusive thrombus.[5]

Prolonged ischemia leads to tissue infarction and necrosis. The subendocardial region of the ventricular wall is most prone to ischemia. However, ischemic damage can involve the entire wall thickness over time. Such ischemic events spanning the entire myocardial wall thickness present as STEMI. Infarcted tissue undergoes a series of changes from necrosis to granulation tissue and subsequent scar formation. Infarcted myocardium is extremely prone to rupture during the interval from the appearance of granulation tissue to scar formation (between 4 to 14 days post-infarction).

History and Physical

Most myocardial infarctions, regardless of location, present with a similar array of symptoms. Some of the common manifestations include left-sided chest pain radiating to the arm or neck, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, diaphoresis, and fatigue. People with a prior history of myocardial infarction can relate current symptoms to previous episodes and tend to seek care sooner.

All patients suspected of having LMI warrant obtaining a thorough medical history and physical examination. Details regarding the characteristics of the chest pain, including onset, aggravating or relieving factors, and radiation, can help make an important clinical decision. Patients should be examined for signs of excessive lipid accumulation, such as xanthoma and xanthelasma.[6] Physical examination findings such as diaphoresis, extra heart sounds, heart murmurs, and elevated jugular venous pressure can guide the diagnosis of LMI.

Evaluation

Patients suspected of having acute LMI should be promptly evaluated with an ECG and a serial cardiac troponins measurement.[7][8] Recognizing distinct ST-T involvement patterns can aid in the early diagnosis of myocardial infarction.

ECG Findings

LMI-associated ECG findings include:

• ST-segment elevation LMI: ST-segment elevation in leads I, aVL, V5, and V6, with reciprocal ST depression in the inferior leads III and aVF
• High lateral STEMI: Presents with ST-segment elevation in leads I and aVL, subtle ST-segment elevation in V5 and V6, and reciprocal changes in leads III and aVF, often caused by occlusion of the first diagonal branch of the LAD (sometimes referred to as the South African flag sign)
• Old LMI: Deep and broad Q waves in leads I and aVL
• Inferolateral STEMI: ST-segment elevation in the lateral (I, aVL, V5, V6) and inferior (II, III, aVF) leads, commonly due to proximal LCx artery occlusion
• Anterolateral STEMI: ST-segment elevation in the lateral (I, aVL, V5, V6) and anterior (V1, V2, V3) leads, highly indicative of proximal LAD occlusion

Echocardiography

This modality has a high sensitivity and a low specificity when diagnosing myocardial infarction.[9] Severe ischemia produces regional wall motion abnormalities, which may be visualized on an echocardiogram.[10] However, differentiating between acute ischemia and an old infarct based on regional wall motion abnormalities is difficult. Patients with normal echocardiograms but moderate pretest probability should be evaluated with a stress test.[11] A coronary angiogram remains the most definitive diagnostic test of choice.

Treatment / Management

ST-segment elevation LMI should be treated immediately.[12] Early reperfusion has shown benefits with improved clinical outcomes.[13] Percutaneous intervention (PCI) has shown better outcomes than fibrinolytic therapy. [14] Guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association for STEMI management recommend early PCI, preferably with a door-to-balloon time of less than 90 minutes at PCI-capable facilities and less than 120 minutes at non–PCI-capable facilities.[15]

Antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and either a P2Y12 (clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel) or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor is recommended before and after PCI. Multiple study results have demonstrated mortality benefits with β-blockers (metoprolol, carvedilol, bisoprolol) and high-intensity statins (rosuvastatin).[16] Patients presenting with cardiogenic shock or mitral valve rupture postmyocardial infarction may need the placement of a mechanical supportive device, such as an intraaortic balloon pump, after PCI. Symptomatic management includes morphine for pain control, oxygen for hypoxemia, and nitrates such as nitroglycerin for improvement of myocardial perfusion.

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis for myocardial infarction includes:

• Acute pericarditis
• Acute gastritis
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Aortic dissection
• Esophagitis
• Cardiac tamponade
• Costochondritis
• Myocarditis
• Pneumonia
• Pneumothorax
• Prinzmetal angina
• Pulmonary embolism
• Cocaine-induced vasospasm

A careful clinical evaluation and the judicious use of diagnostic examinations help determine the appropriate interventions.

Prognosis

LMI has generally favorable outcomes. Long-term outcomes in patients with STEMI and nonSTEMI have improved over the last decade.[17] Hreybe et al reported a marginally elevated risk of ventricular fibrillation in patients presenting with an anterior or lateral myocardial wall infarction.[18] The prognosis tends to be worse in patients presenting with life-threatening complications such as arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest, free wall or papillary muscle rupture, and cardiogenic shock. Risk stratification using the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction score can help identify patients with increased in-hospital mortality.[19] Thirty-day mortality rates for STEMI are 13% with medical therapy alone, 6% to 7% with optimal fibrinolytic therapy, and 3% to 5% with primary PCI when performed within 2 hours of hospital arrival. Patients with nonSTEMI have an even lower risk of death of only 2% after 30 days, as compared to individuals who have had a recent STEMI.

Complications

Complications of LMI are similar to those of other myocardial infarction types and include:

• Left ventricle dysfunction
• Arrhythmias
• Mitral regurgitation
• Pericarditis
• Ventricular aneurysm
• Left ventricular thrombus
• Dressler syndrome

Timely intervention and patient education can help minimize complications.

Deterrence and Patient Education

Patient education is the cornerstone of preventing future myocardial infarction events. Interventions such as smoking cessation, weight reduction, medication adherence, and dietary modification have all been well-established in improving overall cardiovascular mortality.[20] Targeting strict blood pressure, glycemic, and lipid goals can help decrease the risk of complications after myocardial infarction. Patients should be encouraged to participate in cardiac rehabilitation programs to improve overall cardiac function and achieve better heart rate control.

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Healthcare team coordination plays an integral role in managing LMI, from emergency care and immediate interventions to long-term rehabilitation and prevention. The paramedics and emergency medical technicians provide initial care and rapid transport to the hospital. A cardiologist takes the lead in diagnosing and treating the LMI. An interventional cardiologist performs PCI.

Critical care and cardiac nurses or nurse practitioners monitor patients throughout their stay, administer medications, provide immediate treatment for acute complications, and educate patients and their families about lifestyle changes, medications, and long-term recovery after the acute event. Physical therapists arrange for cardiac rehabilitation, and nutritionists develop heart-healthy diets to manage patients' risk factors.

Effective communication and coordination between all team members ensure that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both the acute and long-term consequences of myocardial infarction, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing the risk of recurrence. An interprofessional approach has been shown to improve healthcare outcomes in patients admitted with myocardial infarction.[21][22] Adherence to guideline-directed therapy is equally important. Establishing a cardiac alert response team for emergencies can help provide timely, dedicated care.