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. Abstract 556.

STEMI 96

STEMI Coronary ACS OR 96

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JULY 7, 2024

So while there’s no diagnostic STEMI criteria, there are multiple ischemic abnormalities in 11/12 leads involving QRS, ST and T waves, which are diagnostic of a proximal LAD occlusion. First trop was 7,000ng/L (normal 25% of ‘Non-STEMI’ patients with delayed angiography have the exact same pathology of acute coronary occlusion.

STEMI 66

STEMI Coronary ALS OR 66

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 18, 2024

I sent this to the Queen of Hearts So the ECG is both STEMI negative and has no subtle diagnostic signs of occlusion. Non-STEMI guidelines call for “urgent/immediate invasive strategy is indicated in patients with NSTE-ACS who have refractory angina or hemodynamic or electrical instability,” regardless of ECG findings.[1]

STEMI 121

STEMI Coronary ALS CAD 121

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 10, 2025

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. What is the gold standard for ECG interpretation: patient outcome!!!

STEMI 88

STEMI OR Coronary Emergency Department 88

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. Review of the 2 ECGs in today's case is insightful ( Figure-1 ): The initial ECG shows sinus rhythm, LAHB and meets Peguero Criteria for LVH ( See My Comment in the August 15, 2022 post of Dr. Smith's ECG Blog for more on LVH criteria ).

Coronary 121

Coronary ACS OR EMR 121

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.

STEMI 98

STEMI Coronary Emergency Department ICU 98

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] Written by Jesse McLaren Four patients presented with chest pain. have published a number of warnings about the previous reassuring studies.[4,5]

STEMI 119

STEMI Emergency Department Coronary OR 119

Pulsara

JANUARY 25, 2024

In 2020, MEMS adopted Pulsara to improve communication with area hospitals for time-sensitive emergencies such as stroke, STEMI, and trauma. Between 2022 and 2023, mental health calls accounted for 10% of MEMS’ overall call volume, with a noticeable surge in pediatric mental health cases.

Emergency Medical Services 115

Emergency Medical Services EMS STEMI Emergency Department 115

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. It is not yet available, but this is your way to get on the list. 2 cases at once!

STEMI 127

STEMI OR ED ALS 127

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

AUGUST 16, 2024

Its hard to measure the STE in I exactly with the moving baseline, but there is almost certainly not enough STE to meet STEMI criteria. The ACC recognizes these findings as formal STEMI equivalents (though they do not define how to find them). They are symmetric, fat, convex on both sides, etc.

STEMI 111

STEMI OR 111

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. Potassium was normal. This is not unusual.

STEMI 98

STEMI ACS OR ALS 98

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. Labs ordered but not yet drawn.

Coronary 117

Coronary STEMI ED OR 117

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 29, 2024

This certainly looks like an anterior STEMI (proximal LAD occlusion), with STE and hyperacute T-waves (HATW) in V2-V6 and I and aVL. How do you explain the anterior STEMI(+)OMI immediately after ROSC evolving into posterior OMI 30 minutes later? This caused a type 2 anterior STEMI.

STEMI 109

STEMI Coronary Defibrillator OR 109

The Skeptics' Guide to EM

FEBRUARY 3, 2023

September 2022 Guest Skeptic: Dr. Justin Morgenstern is an emergency physician and the creator of the #FOAMed project called www.First10EM.com Case: You are working an overnight shift at a small rural hospital. A post-arrest ECG doesn’t show any signs of STEMI. Date: February 1, 2023 Reference: Wolfrum et al. Circulation. Circulation.

CPR 130

CPR Critical Care STEMI ALS 130

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

AUGUST 2, 2024

This was a machine read STEMI positive OMI. The meaning of this quote is that at times, something as obvious as the dramatic anterior lead ST elevation that we see in today's tracing is not the result of an acute LAD STEMI. His ECG is shown below. Pretty obvious anterior current of injury. What would you guess is the culprit artery?

STEMI 119

STEMI ALS OR 119

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. This situation has been named "Emery phenomenon." YOU TOO CAN HAVE THE PM Cardio AI BOT!!

STEMI 130

STEMI ED OR Coronary 130

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 15, 2022

As always, LAD OMI need not meet STEMI criteria and usually does NOT! Septal STEMI with ST elevation in V1 and V4R, and reciprocal ST depression in V5, V6 Case 8. Missed LAD Occlusion with Swirl, peak trop 80 ng/mL (equivalent to 80,000 ng/L), diagnosed as "Non-STEMI" Case 9. A 49 year old man with chest pain.

OR 52

OR E-9-1-1 STEMI 52

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 129

OR STEMI Coronary Emergency Department 129

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 5, 2024

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. 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

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

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. I don't know if her pain was getting better or not.

Coronary 109

Coronary E-9-1-1 STEMI ACS 109

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 97

E-9-1-1 STEMI Coronary OR 97

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

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

MARCH 22, 2024

This is documented as a STEMI in the clinical notes and in the cath report, but certainly does not meet STEMI criteria and is therefore an NSTEMI by definition. For national registry purposes, this will be incorrectly classified as a STEMI.) Most STEMI have peak cTnI greater than 10.0. Large STEMI are approximately 30-80.

STEMI 114

STEMI OR 114

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. Do either, both, or neither have occlusion MI? Vitals were normal.

STEMI 73

STEMI Paramedic Coronary ED 73

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. Answer : Bedside ultrasound!

E-9-1-1 127

E-9-1-1 Coronary STEMI ALS 127

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

AUGUST 4, 2024

QOH versions 1 and 2 both say Not OMI, with high confidence, without any clinical context, despite the abnormal STE meeting STEMI criteria. The ST/T wave ratio ( ie, the ratio of ST elevation compared to T wave amplitude ) in lead V6 is well over 0.24 ( See My Comment in the June 8, 2022 post for more on this Ratio ).

STEMI 116

STEMI OR Emergency Department 116

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

OCTOBER 10, 2024

Unfortunately you can see that the conventional Zoll algorithm sees nothing even to suggest AMI, let alone STEMI. For review on how I apply the Mirror Test I devised — See My Comment in the September 21, 2022 post in Dr. Smith's ECG Blog ). = Really unusual to me that QOH V1 only has low confidence, but at least its correct.

STEMI 108

STEMI EMS Coronary OR 108

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

NOVEMBER 1, 2022

Discharge Diagnosis was STEMI (The STE did not meet "criteria," so "OMI" would be better, but "STEMI" is far better than what this could have been called: NonSTEMI) Quotes from a note written by a really fine and knowledgable physician: "12-lead EKG was obtained initial 1 at time zero. He was ventilated with BVM on arrival.

Overdose 52

Overdose OR Coronary ACS 52

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

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

JANUARY 12, 2023

Here is the South African Flag sign ( Figure by Ken Grauer — with the original 12-lead from Patient 1 attached below — See his Comment from the April 8, 2022 post in Dr. Smith's ECG Blog for more on this sign ). ECG read as: "Shows T wave inversions in the inferior leads and less than 1mm STE in V2, without STEMI criteria."

OR 52

OR STEMI 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 8, 2024

She was diagnosed with a Non-STEMI and kept overnight for a next day angiogram. Medics recorded the above ECG and called a STEMI alert. Her symptoms at the time ECG #1 was obtained were CP and SOB — yet interpretation of this initial tracing prompted a STEMI alert. Her troponin I returned at 900 ng/L.

Coronary 71

Coronary STEMI EMS OR 71

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 19, 2024

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!!!) The ED provider canceled the STEMI protocol and updated the cath lab on the finding.

STEMI 60

STEMI Coronary CAD ED 60