A QS pattern in leads V1 and V2 is associated with septal scarring independent of scar etiology - A cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study.

<bold>Background: </bold>Isolated septal myocardial infarction (MI) is traditionally characterized by the presence of pathological Q waves in leads V1 and V2 on the surface electrocardiogram (ECG). The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between this ECG pattern and septal scar on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.<bold>Methods: </bold>We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 996 consecutive patients who received both ECG and CMR.<bold>Results: </bold>Nineteen patients had a Q wave in leads V1 and V2. Septal scar was present in all 19 patients. Based on CMR imaging criteria, septal scars were ischemic in 8 patients (42%) and non-ischemic in 11 patients (58%).<bold>Conclusion: </bold>The results suggest that the presence of a QS pattern in leads V1 and V2 on the surface ECG is highly predictive of the presence of a septal myocardial scar, but is not diagnostic for septal MI, even after excluding comorbidities known to produce a pseudo-septal MI pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]