Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 31, 2023

Cath lab declined as it is not a STEMI." And now this finding is even formally endorsed as a "STEMI equivalent" in the 2022 ACC guidelines!!! Another myocardial wall is sacrificed at the altar of the STEMI/NonSTEMI mindset. Do NOT give it unless you are committed to the cath lab!! Cath attending is aware. Am Heart J.

STEMI 80

STEMI Coronary ACS OR 80

EMDocs

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

Reference: emDOCs – NCSE Journal of Emergency Medicine – Review Case 4: 52-year-0ld male brought in by EMS with “code STEMI” ECG demonstrates ST depressions with rocket like T waves in V2-V4. This document covers high sensitivity troponin, risk disposition pathways, and STEMI equivalents. J Am Coll Cardiol.

STEMI 72

STEMI Coronary Emergency Department EMS 72

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). A comparison of electrocardiographic changes during reperfusion of acute myocardial infarction by thrombolysis or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Coronary 121

Coronary STEMI ED OR 121

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 15, 2023

I sent this ECG to the Queen of Hearts (PMcardio OMI), and here is the verdict: You can subscribe for news and early access (via participating in our studies) to the Queen of Hearts here: [link] queen-form Then I learned that a Code STEMI was activated for concern of anterior "STEMI" in V1-V2. High sensitivity troponin I was 23 ng/L.

STEMI 93

STEMI Coronary ACS OR 93

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 89

STEMI Coronary Paramedic OR 89

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 11, 2023

Recall from this post referencing this study that "reciprocal STD in aVL is highly sensitive for inferior OMI (far better than STEMI criteria) and excludes pericarditis, but is not specific for OMI." For the same reason, you should not delay coronary angiography because pain resolves with morphine. The case continues. Mukherjee, D.,

E-9-1-1 125

E-9-1-1 ACS Coronary STEMI 125

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 18, 2023

4,5] We have now formally studied this question: Emergency department Code STEMI patients with initial electrocardiogram labeled ‘normal’ by computer interpretation: a 7-year retrospective review.[6] have published a number of warnings about the previous reassuring studies.[4,5]

STEMI 122

STEMI Emergency Department Coronary OR 122

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. aVR ST segment elevation: acute STEMI or not? Incidence of an acute coronary occlusion.

Coronary 52

Coronary ACS STEMI ALS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 19, 2024

The ED provider ordered a coronary CT scan to assess the patient for CAD. His EKG with worse pain now shows enough ST elevation to meet STEMI criteria. The EKG was read by the conventional computer algorithm as diagnostic of “ACUTE MI/STEMI”. The patient started receiving medications for “STEMI” (including heparin!!!)

STEMI 63

STEMI Coronary CAD ED 63

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 5, 2024

Another possible cause of pseudonormalization of T waves mentioned many times on this blog is the pseudonormalization caused by re-occlusion of an infarct related reperfused coronary artery. A mong patients with STEMI, ventricular septal rupture is the most common and free wall rupture is the least common.

STEMI 106

STEMI Coronary OR ALS 106

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 74

STEMI Coronary OR ALS 74

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. Figure-1: The initial ECG in today’s case.

STEMI 86

STEMI ACS OR ALS 86

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 8, 2023

Code STEMI was activated by the ED physician based on the diagnostic ECG for LAD OMI in ventricular paced rhythm. This was several months after the 2022 ACC Guidelines adding modified Sgarbossa criteria as a STEMI equivalent in ventricular paced rhythm). LAFB, atrial flutter, anterolateral STEMI(+) OMI. Limkakeng AT.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary ED ACS 52

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 29, 2023

Here they are: Patient 1, ECG1: Zoll computer algorithm stated: " STEMI , Anterior Infarct" Patient 2, ECG1: Zoll computer algorithm stated: "ST elevation, probably benign early repolarization." He diagnosed anterior "STEMI" and activated the cath lab. 25 minutes later, EMS called back with this new ECG: Super obvious STEMI(+) OMI.

OR 120

OR STEMI EMS ED 120

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JULY 21, 2024

The ECG shows obvious STEMI(+) OMI due to probable proximal LAD occlusion. It shows a proximal LAD occlusion, in conjunction with a subtotally occluded LMCA ( Left Main Coronary Artery ). The patient in today’s case is a previously healthy 40-something male who contacted EMS due to acute onset crushing chest pain.

Defibrillator 117

Defibrillator Coronary ALS STEMI 117

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. Compensatory enlargement was defined as being present when the total coronary arterial cross-sectional area at the stenotic site was greater than that at the proximal nonstenotic site. He was started on nitro gtt.

Coronary 80

Coronary ACS OR EMR 80

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 30, 2023

There is an obvious inferior posterior STEMI(+) OMI. Methods Retrospective study of consecutive inferior STEMI , comparing ECGs of patients with, to those without, RVMI, as determined by angiographic coronary occlusion proximal to the RV marginal branch. What is the atrial activity? Is it sinus arrest with junctional escape?

E-9-1-1 82

E-9-1-1 STEMI Coronary OR 82

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 8, 2022

The ECG is diagnostic for acute transmural infarction of the anterior and lateral walls, with LAD OMI being the most likely cause (which has various potential etiologies for the actual cause of the acute coronary artery occlusion, the most common of which is of course type 1 ACS, plaque rupture with thrombotic occlusion). Aspirin 81 mg daily.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary ACS ED 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

In the available view of the sinus rhythm, we see normal variant STE which probably meets STEMI criteria in V4 and V5. In other words, the inferior "ST elevation" is due to the abnormal rhythm, and does not signify OMI or STEMI in any way. The angiogram showed completely normal coronary arteries.

STEMI 123

STEMI ED OR Coronary 123

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 1, 2022

Moreover, the research which appears to confirm this idea was indeed in relation to the circumflex, but they did not study Occlusion ; rather, they studied asymptomatic coronary disease. I showed conclusively that this is a common finding in normal ECGs, though it is more common in LAD Occlusion than in norml variant STE.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary OR ALS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 25, 2023

Smith and Meyers to diagnose both obvious (STEMI) and subtle OMI. But the stuttering pain and sudden onset suggest acute coronary occlusion (Occlusion MI, or OMI). Cath lab activation by the ED and I agree with coronary angiography emergently." Result: no angiographically significant obstructive coronary artery disease.

Coronary 52

Coronary STEMI ALS OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 6, 2022

Had the cardiologists followed NSTEMI or transient STEMI guidelines, which recommend non-urgent cath, the patient could have redeveloped an OMI and had a worse outcome. But this foresight will not be recorded, because the patient was diagnosed as "transient STEMI", even though no ECG ever met STEMI criteria.

STEMI 52

STEMI ACS Coronary OR 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 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). The De Winter ECG pattern: morphology and accuracy for diagnosing acute coronary occlusion: systematic review. Eur J Emerg Med.

ACS 87

ACS Coronary ALS CAD 87

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 88

E-9-1-1 Defibrillator CPR STEMI 88

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

In the context of remote rural communities, this can help emergency physicians advocate for their patients, and reduce reperfusion delays by days for STEMI(-)OMI == MY Comment , by K EN G RAUER, MD ( 9/8 /2023 ): == Today’s case is distinguished by its occurrence in a remote rural community ( where the nearest cath lab is a plane ride away ).

OR 131

OR STEMI Coronary Emergency Department 131

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

2022 Jan;51:384-387. I have here 30 cases of "Computer Normal" ECGs which were critically abnormal and the vast majority are missed acute coronary occlusions (Missed Acute OMI) and most were recognized by the physician. Of the Non-STEMI in our cohort, about 25% will actually have acute coronary occlusion. Am J Emerg Med.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary Emergency Department OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

This is most consistent with ischemia/infarction in the distribution of the left circumflex coronary artery. OMI that are not STEMI can be very subtle and difficult to diagnose even though the findings are very specific. Regional wall motion abnormality-inferior base ( this is the posterior wall ).

STEMI 52

STEMI ED Coronary OR 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. 2022 ACC expert consensus decision pathway on the evaluation and disposition of acute chest pain in the emergency department: A report of the American college of cardiology solution set oversight committee. •

OR 52

OR STEMI ED Critical Care 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

NOVEMBER 1, 2022

The 50-something patient with history of coronary stenting and slightly reduced LV ejection fraction. which would suggest reduced rates of major adverse cardiac events with coronary artery bypass grafting." On the other hand, stable EKG over an hour in the setting of ongoing acute coronary syndrome is again unusual.

Overdose 52

Overdose OR Coronary ACS 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

NOVEMBER 13, 2022

Take home messages: Any coronary occlusion may present with vague symptoms, but when ECG is clear, there should not be any suspicion. 2022 Mar-Apr;71:44-46. Epub 2022 Jan 31. PMID: 34523597. == MY Comment by K EN G RAUER, MD ( 11/13/2022 ): == Highly interesting case by Emre Aslanger. ECG hardly ever tells lies!

EMR 52

EMR Coronary OR STEMI 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 13, 2023

Knowing the patient has a history of coronary disease could be relevant to today's case — as it should add to our suspicion of a new acute event. If this is the case — this size of a Qr wave in lead III, as well as the seemingly wide Q in lead aVF — would seem to suggest prior inferior infarction a t some point in the past.

EMR 117

EMR Coronary OR STEMI 117

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 10, 2023

A CT Coronary angiogram was ordered. Here are the results: --Minimally obstructive coronary artery disease. --LAD Although a lesion is not visible anatomically on this CT scan, coronary catheter angiography could be considered based on Cardiology evaluation." Transient STEMI is at high risk of re-occlusion.

Coronary 52

Coronary STEMI CAD OR 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. Using the current paradigm, can you tell which patient had an acute coronary occlusion?

STEMI 103

STEMI Coronary ALS OR 103

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Learning Points: Ectopic atrial rhythm can produce atrial repolarization findings that can be confused for acute ischemia, STEMI, or OMI. For readers not familiar with this format — I've reviewed its features in the Addendum at the bottom of the page in the April 24, 2022 post in Dr. Smith's ECG Blog.

ED 52

ED OR STEMI Coronary 52