Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 18, 2023

Smith’s ECG Blog has published a growing list of over 40 cases of ECGs falsely labeled ‘normal’ by the computer which are diagnostic of Occlusion MI, and Smith et al. This is diagnostic of LAD occlusion but is equivocal for STEMI criteria and was missed (and both labeled ‘normal’ by final cardiology interpretation).

STEMI 119

STEMI Emergency Department Coronary OR 119

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 23, 2023

Notice on the right side of the image how the algorithm correctly measures STE sufficient in V1 and V2 to meet STEMI criteria in a man older than age 40. As most would agree, this ECG shows highly specific findings of anterolateral OMI, even with STEMI criteria in this case. Thus, this is obvious STEMI(+) OMI until proven otherwise.

STEMI 98

STEMI Coronary Paramedic OR 98

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

AUGUST 19, 2023

This is diagnostic of infero-posterior OMI, but it is falsely negative by STEMI criteria and with falsely negative posterior leads (though they do show mild ST elevation in V4R). They were less likely to have STEMI on ECG, and more likely to be initially diagnosed as non-ACS. Herzog et al. Khan et al. Circulation 2007 2.

STEMI 98

STEMI ACS OR ALS 98

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 10, 2025

The latest is Langlois-Carbonneau et al. If we took this as the gold standard, we would conclude that the computer interpretation was safe and accurate at least accurate enough to not miss STEMI, and that physicians should not be interrupted to interpret it, because there would be no change in patient management.

STEMI 89

STEMI OR Coronary Emergency Department 89

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 4, 2024

Unknown algorithm The Queen gets it right Case 4 How unreliable are computer algorithms in the Diagnosis of STEMI? The patient's prehospital ECG showed that there was massive STEMI and these are hyperacute T-waves "on the way down" as they normalize. Pain was resolving. Diagnosed as Normal by the computer. Troponin negative.

STEMI 127

STEMI OR ED ALS 127

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

Lindahl et al. From Gue at al. STEMI MINOCA versus NSTEMI MINOCA STEMI occurs in the presence of transmural ischaemia due to transient or persistent complete occlusion of the infarct-related coronary artery. This has resulted in an under-representation of STEMI MINOCA patients in the literature. References: 1.

Coronary 109

Coronary E-9-1-1 STEMI ACS 109

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 22, 2024

Patient still not having chest pain however this is more concerning for OMI/STEMI. Wellens' syndrome is a syndrome of Transient OMI (old terminology would be transient STEMI). As far as I can tell, there is only one randomized trial of immediate vs. delayed intervention for transient STEMI. Lemkes JS, et al.

Coronary 117

Coronary STEMI ED OR 117

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

The conventional machine algorithm interpreted this ECG as STEMI. See this post of RV MI with both McConnell sign and "D" sign: Inferior and Posterior STEMI. She was out walking her dog when she developed sudden dizziness and light-headedness. When EMS found her, she was dyspneic and diaphoretic.

E-9-1-1 127

E-9-1-1 Coronary STEMI ALS 127

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 17, 2024

The prehospital and ED computer interpretation was inferior STEMI: There’s normal sinus rhythm, first degree AV block and RBBB, normal axis and normal voltages. The paramedic notes called STEMI into question: “EMS disagree with monitor for STEMI callout. Vitals were normal except for oxygen saturation of 94%. Vitals were normal.

STEMI 73

STEMI Paramedic Coronary ED 73

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 5, 2024

A Short Comment on PIRP and T Waves: Oliva et al found a strong association of myocardial rupture with postinfarction regional pericarditis. It has been estimated that in the aggregate, they occur at a rate of about 3 per 1000 patients with acute MI, and most of these events occur in patients with STEMI.

STEMI 109

STEMI Coronary OR ALS 109

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

Here is his ED ECG at triage: Obvious high lateral OMI that does not quite meet STEMI criteria. Studies such as those by Moise et al 14 and Ellis et al 39 have shown that the relative risk of developing an acute myocardial infarction in the territory supplied by an artery with a 70%. He was started on nitro gtt.

Coronary 121

Coronary ACS OR EMR 121

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 6, 2024

Here, I do not see OMI (although the ECG is falsely STEMI positive with just over 1 mm STE in V1 and about 2.5 The April 17, 2022 post ( Leads V1,V2 misplacement ). The May 5, 2022 post ( LA-RA reversal ). The May 24, 2022 post ( LA-LL reversal ). The May 26, 2022 post ( LA-LL reversal ). What do you think?

ALS 111

ALS STEMI Coronary OR 111

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JULY 14, 2023

So we activated the Cath Lab Angiogram: Impression and Recommendations: Culprit for the patient's anterior ST segment myocardial infarction and out of hospital V-fib cardiac arrest is a thrombotic occlusion of the mid LAD The first troponin returned barely elevated at 36 ng/L (URL = 35) In our study of initial troponin in STEMI, 26.8%

E-9-1-1 98

E-9-1-1 Defibrillator CPR STEMI 98

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 29, 2023

But because there was no new ST elevation, the ECG was signed off as “STEMI negative” and the patient waited to be seen. But the ECG still doesn’t meet STEMI criteria. It was therefore interpreted as “no STEMI” and the patient was treated with dual anti-platelets and referred to cardiology as “NSTEMI.” the cardiologist 5.

STEMI 70

STEMI Coronary OR ALS 70

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 3, 2022

Step 1 to missing posterior MI is relying on the STEMI criteria. A prospective validation of STEMI criteria based on the first ED ECG found it was only 21% sensitive for Occlusion MI, and disproportionately missed inferoposterior OMI.[1] But it is still STEMI negative. A 15 lead ECG was done (below). In a study last year, 14.4%

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary ALS ACS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

This has been termed a “STEMI equivalent” and included in STEMI guidelines, suggesting this patient should receive dual anti-platelets, heparin and immediate cath lab activation–or thrombolysis in centres where cath lab is not available. Harhash AA, Huang JJ, Reddy S, et al. aVR ST segment elevation: acute STEMI or not?

Coronary 52

Coronary ACS STEMI ALS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 17, 2023

The Queen of Hearts correctly says: Smith : Why is this ECG which manifests so much ST Elevation NOT a STEMI (even if it were a 60 year old with chest pain)? Physician interpretation: "No STEMI." Physician: "No STEMI." Cardiologist interpretation: "Technically does not meet STEMI criteria but concerning for ischemia."

OR 52

OR STEMI ACS Emergency Department 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

NOVEMBER 30, 2022

Reference on Troponins: Xenogiannis I, Vemmou E, Nikolakopoulos I, et al. J Electrocardiol [Internet] 2022;Available from: [link] Cardiology opinion: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (EF 30-35%) V Fib Cardiac arrest Prolonged QTC NSTEMI (Smith comment: is it NSTEMI or is it Takotsubo? Lindahl et al. From Gue at al.

Emergency Department 52

Emergency Department E-9-1-1 Coronary STEMI 52

ACEP Now

JULY 6, 2023

4 Formerly, chest pain patients without an S-T Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), whose pain was suspected to be cardiac in nature, became inpatients for sequential monitoring of their lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase isozyme profiles. Updated September 21, 2022. February 22, 2022. Gulati M, et al.

ALS 52

ALS Emergency Department STEMI ED 52

ACEP Now

AUGUST 12, 2024

Considering hyperacute T-waves have been accepted as STEMI equivalents, it is possible that pseudonormalization could gain more recognition as an indicator of ACS. 2022 Nov, 80 (20) 1925–1960. 5 Studies looking at this phenomenon in the emergency department setting for patients presenting with chest pain are lacking. J Am Coll Cardiol.

Emergency Department 52

Emergency Department STEMI ACS ED 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

NOVEMBER 3, 2023

The ECG was read as "No STEMI" and the patient was treated like an average chest pain patient (despite the fact that a chest pain patient with active pain and active subendocardial ischemia is very high risk). Hayakawa A, Tsukahara K, Miyagawa S, et al. Published 2022 Feb 20. 2022;Available from: [link] 7. Am J Emerg Med.

ACS 82

ACS Coronary ALS CAD 82

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 1, 2022

This is guideline approved by both ACC/AHA and by European guidelines. == Comment by K EN G RAUER, MD ( 6/1/2022 ): == I found serial evaluation of sequential tracings in today's case to be subtle — yet highly insightful. A patient with active chest pain and an otherwise unexplained elevated troponin should go to the cath lab.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary OR ALS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

While this ECG is negative for “posterior STEMI”, the resolution of anterior ST depression (accompanied by the troponin elevation) confirms posterior OMI with spontaneous reperfusion. The second opportunity to make the diagnosis and expedite angiography was missed because the ECG never met STEMI criteria and continued to be labeled ‘normal.’

STEMI 40

STEMI ALS Emergency Department OR 40

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 22, 2022

The HEART and EDACS scores are helpful to risk stratify patients with chest pain, but they hinge on accurate ECG interpretation: a low score doesn’t apply if the ECG shows STEMI(+)OMI, and shouldn’t be used for STEMI(-)OMI or OMI reperfusion either 2. Backus BE, Six AJ, Kelder JC, et al. Moumneh T, Sun BC, Baecker A, et al.

E-9-1-1 52

E-9-1-1 STEMI ALS ED 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

Meyers, Bracey, Smith, et al. OMI that are not STEMI can be very subtle and difficult to diagnose even though the findings are very specific. With a little bit of practice — it becomes EASY to recognize the "shelf-like" ( flat ) shape of ST depression — that looks like a stemi when this image is inverted. Learning Points.

STEMI 52

STEMI ED Coronary OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 8, 2022

There is clearly sufficient STE for STEMI criteria in leads V2 and aVL, but lead I has less than 1.0 mm of STE - thus, technically this ECG does not meet STEMI criteria, although it is a quite obvious OMI. This ECG was immediatel y discussed with the on-call cardiologist who said the ECG was "concerning but not a STEMI."

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary ACS ED 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 6, 2023

Here is the repeat ECG at 52 minutes after arrival to triage: Obvious posterolateral STEMI Angiographic findings: 1. Reference: • Writing Committee, Kontos MC, de Lemos JA, et al. Comparison of the ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) vs. NSTEMI and Occlusion MI (OMI) vs. NOMI Paradigms of Acute MI. Meyers HP, Smith SW.

OR 52

OR STEMI ED Critical Care 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 12, 2022

Comment by K EN G RAUER, MD ( 12/12 /2022 ): = I will summarize in 4 words the important message conveyed by Dr. Meyers in today's post = "Be Aware of Pseudo-Normalization!" Failure to do so may result in overlooking subtle ST-T wave changes in a patient "in passage" from a frank STEMI toward reperfusion changes.

OR 52

OR ACS STEMI Coronary 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 19, 2022

The Cardiorespiratory Implications of Ultra-marathon Bjørkavoll‐Bergseth et al. Paana et al. Anterior STEMI? Please see My Comment at the bottom of the page in the April 17, 2022 post of Dr. Smith's Blog — for concise review on how to quickly recognize too-high placement of the lead V1 and V2 electrodes.

E-9-1-1 52

E-9-1-1 Coronary OR ED 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 25, 2023

Smith and Meyers to diagnose both obvious (STEMI) and subtle OMI. We've previously discussed the all-too-often ignored entity known as MINOCA ( = MI with N on- O bstructive C oronary A rteries ) — which we detailed in the November 30, 2022 post in Dr. Smith's ECG Blog ( See My Comment at the bottom of the page ). It was trained by Drs.

Coronary 52

Coronary STEMI ALS OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 13, 2022

But it doesn’t meet STEMI criteria, and was not identified by the computer or the over-reading cardiologist. Still no WPW pattern, and more obvious inferoposterior OMI, but still STEMI negative. Rosner et al. The emergency physician wasn’t sure what to make of the changes from one ECG to the next but was concerned about ACS.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary OR ACS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 18, 2022

If you still have not read it, I strongly recommend that you read the following article on the diagnosis of "posterior" MI: Ischemic ST-Segment Depression Maximal in V1-V4 (Versus V5-V6) of Any Amplitude Is Specific for Occlusion Myocardial Infarction (Versus Nonocclusive Ischemia), by Meyers HP et al. 2022 Mar-Apr;71:44-46.

EMR 40

EMR OR ALS Coronary 40

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

FEBRUARY 18, 2022

Yelken B et al. With this ECG: See this typical case of cO poisoning: What is the treatment for this subendocardial ischemia? == MY Comment, by K EN G RAUER, MD ( 2/18 /2022 ): == Insightful case presented by Dr. Smith of this young adult who presented with accidental CO poisoning.

ACS 52

ACS Plasma OR STEMI 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 6, 2023

Lupu L, et al. Immediate and early percutaneous coronary intervention in very high-risk and high-risk Non-STEMI patients. Clin Cardiol 2022; [link] Labs included: hsTnI 156 ng/L, Hb 12 g/dL, WBC 12x10^9/L, Cr. Unfortunately, they follow their own guidelines only 6% of the time!! mg/dL, K 3.5

ACS 52

ACS Coronary ICU STEMI 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 17, 2024

The limb leads have been removed because there was no ST elevation in those leads, the QRS complexes have been obscured because this is irrelevant to STEMI criteria, and red lines have been added to measure ST segment elevation. But STEMI criteria ignore all this and look at ST segments in isolation.

STEMI 118

STEMI Coronary ALS OR 118

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 8, 2023

STEMI negative : the EMS automated interpretation read, “STEMI negative. According to the STEMI paradigm, the patient doesn’t have an acute coronary occlusion and doesn't need emergent reperfusion, so the paramedics can bring them to the ED for assessment, without involving cardiologists. Inferior infarct, age undetermined.

STEMI 86

STEMI Coronary Paramedic ALS 86

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JULY 21, 2024

The ECG shows obvious STEMI(+) OMI due to probable proximal LAD occlusion. In such cases — radiofrequency ablation of ectopic beats triggering malignant ventricular arrhythmias was needed for control of arrhythmic storm because the antiarrhythmic medications tried were ineffective ( Marrouche et al — JACC 5;43(9): 1715-20, 2004 ).

Defibrillator 131

Defibrillator Coronary ALS STEMI 131