Which term is synonymous with subendocardial myocardial infarction?

The term synonymous with subendocardial myocardial infarction is non-Q wave myocardial infarction. This type of infarction typically involves the inner layer of the heart muscle (subendocardial) and is characterized by the absence of significant Q waves on the electrocardiogram (ECG).

In non-Q wave myocardial infarction, there is damage to the heart tissue that does not penetrate through the entire thickness of the heart muscle. This often results in a less extensive area of myocardial necrosis when compared to Q wave myocardial infarction, which indicates more extensive damage, often encompassing the full thickness of the myocardial wall.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as non-Q wave MIs are often associated with a certain presentation and may indicate different underlying mechanisms, pathology, or risk factors compared to Q wave MIs or transmural MIs, which are associated with a complete blockage and more severe heart damage. This emphasizes the importance of recognizing ECG changes and their clinical implications in diagnosing various types of myocardial infarctions.