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ECG Pointers: STEMI Equivalents from the American College of Cardiology

EMDocs

Traditionally, emergency providers looked for signs of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to indicate the need for intervention. Emergency physicians have recognized for some time that there are many occlusions of the coronary arteries that do not present with classic STEMI criteria on the ECG.

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"Non-STEMI" is a worthless term.

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

A 60 yo with 2 previous inferior (RCA) STEMIs, stented, called 911 for one hour of chest pain. Here is his most recent previous ECG: This was recorded after intervention for inferior STEMI (with massive ST Elevation, see below), and shows inferior Q-waves with T-wave inversion typical of completed inferior OMI. ng/mL (quite large).

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Chest pain: Are these really "Nonspecific ST-T wave abnormalities", as the cardiologist interpretation states?

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

The ECG did not meet STEMI criteria, and the final cardiology interpretation was “ST and T wave abnormality, consider anterior ischemia”. There’s only minimal ST elevation in III, which does not meet STEMI criteria of 1mm in two contiguous leads. But STEMI criteria is only 43% sensitive for OMI.[1]

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A man in his 50s with unwitnessed VF arrest, defibrillated to ROSC, and no STEMI criteria on post ROSC ECG. Should he get emergent angiogram?

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

Despite anticipation by many that the initial post-resuscitation ECG will show an obvious acute infarction — this expected "STEMI picture" is often not seen. Meyers and Smith in the October 15, 2022 post of Dr. Smith's ECG Blog ). 15, 2022 post). Indeed, careful attention to detail is needed to appreciate the important findings.

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Another myocardial wall is sacrificed at the altar of the STEMI/NonSTEMI mass delusion (and Opiate pain relief).

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

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.

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60 year old with chest pain, STEMI negative. What should the discharge diagnosis be?

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

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.

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Is OMI an ECG Diagnosis?

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

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]

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