Body surface potential mapping to monitor the effects of thrombolytic therapy following acute myocardial infarction.

The authors demonstrate the value of body surface potential mapping (BSPM) and a limited lead system in monitoring complete ECG evolution following myocardial infarction (MI) and the effects of thrombolytic therapy. They produced ST-segment isopotential maps, which indicate the site and extent of myocardial injury. Pathological Q wave maps were also produced, which intimate the extent of myocardial necrosis. Analysis of a sequence of maps recorded during the acute phase of MI revealed sudden changes attributed to reperfusion, reinfarction or "silent" events.