Coronary disease & ACS

Beyond A and B: exploring a novel dynamic electrocardiogram change in Wellens syndrome

Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc CarePublished retrospective single-centre study

Authors' conclusion

In this cohort of patients with confirmed Wellens syndrome, Pattern A-to-B evolution occurred in approximately one-third of patients before coronary angiography, suggesting that dynamic ECG evolution occurs during the acute phase. Further studies are warranted to determine its diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications.

Study context

Population
Patients with Wellens syndrome and angiographic confirmation of significant left anterior descending (LAD) disease (≥70% stenosis)consecutive patients with Wellens syndrome, 18 with Pattern A-to-B evolution
Participants
51 patients
Outcome
Evolution from Pattern A to Pattern B before angiography
Follow-up
First 24 h
Methodological detailsconsecutive patients, ECGs reviewed by two cardiologists blinded to angiographic findings
  • Consecutive patients
  • ECGs reviewed by two cardiologists blinded to angiographic findings

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Patients with documented evolution
Eighteen patients (35.3%)
Within 6 h of admission
Fourteen
Between 6 and 24 h
four

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

Median left ventricular ejection fraction
53% (Interquartile Range [IQR], 46-60)
High-sensitivity cardiac troponin elevated
12 patients (66.7%)
Isolated LAD involvement
10
Multivessel disease
eight
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
10
Characteristics of patients with Wellens syndrome (n=51): Left anterior descending disease confirmed in all patients
Characteristics of the overall cohort (not specifically Pattern A-to-B evolution patients): Revascularization in 13 patients (10 PCI, 3 CABG)
Revascularization in this cohort: coronary artery bypass grafting performed in three patients
All PCI procedures achieved Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 3 flow

Safety

No in-hospital deaths or major adverse cardiovascular events occurred

Original publication

Beyond A and B: exploring a novel dynamic electrocardiogram change in Wellens syndrome. Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care. Published 24 July 2026. doi:10.1093/ehjacc/zuag102

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