Is new ST-segment elevation after coronary artery bypass of clinical importance in the absence of perioperative myocardial infarction?

ObjectiveTo determine the frequency and significance of new ST-segment elevation during the early postoperative period after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients without enzymatic or electrocardiogram evidence of perioperative myocardial infarction (MI).MethodsPre- and early postoperative electrocardiograms were reviewed in 506 patients undergoing CABG in whom MI was excluded by the absence of new Q waves or left bundle branch block and a peak postoperative troponin I less than 10 ng/mL.ResultsNew ST-segment elevation of 0.1 mV or greater was observed in 64 patients (12.6%). Patients with and without ST-segment elevation did not differ with regard to age, prior coronary artery bypass, number of grafts, use of the internal mammary artery, incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, length of stay in the intensive care unit, duration of hospitalization, or 30-day mortality.ConclusionsST-segment elevation not due to perioperative MI is common after CABG but is not associated with increased postoperative morbidity or mortality.