The Skeptics' Guide to EM

FEBRUARY 3, 2023

Date: February 1, 2023 Reference: Wolfrum et al. Date: February 1, 2023 Reference: Wolfrum et al. A post-arrest ECG doesn’t show any signs of STEMI. Temperature Control After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Circulation. first appeared on The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine.

CPR 130

CPR Critical Care STEMI ALS 130

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. It is a mass delusion.

STEMI 85

STEMI Coronary ACS OR 85

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 123

STEMI Emergency Department Coronary OR 123

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

AUGUST 2, 2024

This was a machine read STEMI positive OMI. 118.007305) from Heitner et al. , 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.

STEMI 117

STEMI ALS OR 117

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JULY 31, 2020

Their OMI Manifesto details how use of standard STEMI criteria results in an unacceptable level of inaccuracy, in which an estimated 25-30% of acute coronary occlusions are missed! The article by Aslanger, Smith et al that is featured above in today’s post has just been published.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary EMR ALS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 27, 2024

So this NSTEMI was likely a STEMI(-)OMI with delayed reperfusion. The patient was admitted as ‘NSTEMI’ which is supposed to represent a non-occlusive MI, but the underlying pathophysiology is analogous to a transient STEMI. Deutch et al. Fortunately the patient did not reocclude while awaiting the angiogram.

STEMI 110

STEMI Coronary ACS ED 110

ACEP Now

DECEMBER 11, 2023

Many conditions outside of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) mimic ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but only a handful of cases have reported ST-elevations (STE) in the setting of pancreatic inflammation where underlying ACS was excluded. 2 Proposed hypothesis as described by Hsu et al., Accessed November 29, 2023.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary ACS Critical Care 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

FEBRUARY 13, 2023

There’s inferior ST depression which is reciprocal to subtle lateral convex ST elevation, and the precordial T waves are subtly hyperacute – all concerning for STEMI(-)OMI of proximal LAD. There’s ST elevation I/aVL/V2 that meet STEMI criteria. This is obvious STEMI(+)OMI of proximal LAD. Non-STEMI or STEMI(-)OMI?

STEMI 52

STEMI Paramedic Coronary ALS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 21, 2023

ECG met STEMI criteria and was labeled STEMI by computer interpretation. J waves can also be induced by Occlusion MI (5), STEMI mimics including takotsubo and myocarditis complicated by ventricular arrhythmias (6, 7), and subarachnoid hemorrhage with VF (8). Take home : Not all STEs are STEMIs or OMIs. What do you think?

STEMI 52

STEMI ALS EMS OR 52

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 108

Coronary E-9-1-1 STEMI ACS 108

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 17, 2024

for those of you who do not do Emergency Medicine, ECGs are handed to us without any clinical context) The ECG was read simply as "No STEMI." In fact, Kosuge et al. Stein et al. This is a paper worth reading : Marchik et al. Kosuge et al. Witting et al. of patients with PE and 3.3% of patients without PE.

E-9-1-1 141

E-9-1-1 ACS Emergency Department Coronary 141

REBEL EM

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

Zeymer HT et al. References: Zeymer HT et al. The benefits of this strategy may be outweighed by the risk of the device-related complications (i.e. bleeding, stroke, limb ischemia, and hemolysis). The evidence for this practice has been sparse until now. Extracorporeal Life Support in Infarct-Related Cardiogenic Shock. Control: 53.4%

Life Support 136

Life Support Coronary CPR ICU 136

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.” Am J Emerg Med 2023 2.

STEMI 74

STEMI Coronary OR ALS 74

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-9-1-1 118

E-9-1-1 Coronary STEMI ALS 118

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 93

STEMI Coronary Paramedic OR 93

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 90

STEMI ACS OR ALS 90

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

JUNE 5, 2023

Here it is: Obvious Inferior Posterior STEMI (+) OMI. Initial troponin was: 3 ng/L We showed that the first troponin in acute STEMI is often negative in at least 27%. Aside on ECG Research: 20% of Definite diagnostic STEMI (Cox et al.) The cath lab was activated prehospital But imagine if the patient had walked in.

STEMI 83

STEMI Coronary Ambulance ED 83

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 123

Coronary ACS OR EMR 123

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 18, 2013

His ECG was repeated at this point: This shows a well developed anterior STEMI. To not see these findings is very common, and this patient would be given the diagnosis of NonSTEMI, with subsequent development of STEMI. It is not a missed STEMI, but it is a missed coronary occlusion. Fesmire et al. Marti D et al.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary ALS CAD 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 29, 2015

The criteria of Armstrong et al. would require the ST/S ratio to be 25% for diagnosis of STEMI in LVH. The physician was concerned about STEMI, but also worried that she was overreacting, with the potential that LVH was producing a "STEMI-mimic." Can you diagnose an ACO (STEMI) when you also have LVH? J Emerg Med.

STEMI 40

STEMI Coronary ALS CAD 40

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

Quiz : What percent of full blown STEMI have an open artery with normal flow at angiogram? It too is "normal" and you decide that this is not OMI or STEMI and you just decide to get troponins. Jesse McLaren et al. I would expect that a stent would be placed. In the meantime, a lot of myocardium is lost.

STEMI 88

STEMI Emergency Department OR ALS 88

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 January 15, 2023 post ( LA-LL reversal; Lead V1,V2 ). The May 13, 2023 post ( LA-RA reversal ). The September 15, 2023 post — for PTA ( Pulse-Tap Artifact ). The March 17, 2023 post — for PTA.

ALS 98

ALS STEMI Coronary OR 98

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 19, 2023

A DDENDUM ( 12/19/2023 ) : By way of review — I've excerpted the following material regarding T-QRS-D and MINOCA. Figure-2: Classification of Underlying Diagnoses in Patients with MINOCA ( Adapted from Table-1 in Sykes et al: Interventional Cardiology Review: 16:e10, 2021 ).

E-9-1-1 127

E-9-1-1 Coronary ACS BLS 127

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 5, 2024

Heitner et al. The PDA plaque was also bulky, but was not described as inflamed or ulcerated. Evidence regarding intervention to non-culprit plaques is mixed and beyond the scope of this blog post. DOI:10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.118.007305), DOI:10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.118.007305),

ACS 115

ACS ALS OR STEMI 115

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 92

E-9-1-1 Defibrillator CPR STEMI 92

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 17, 2023

Troponin T peaked at 2074 ng/L (very high, typical of OMI/STEMI). Post PCI the patient became gravely hypotensive and "shocky". She stabilized on dobutamine and levosimendan infusions that could be discontinued after 24 hours. The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) improved from 15mm to 19mm within the first 24 hours.

STEMI 104

STEMI OR ACS ALS 104

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 9, 2023

Barely any STE, and thus not meeting STEMI criteria. Annals of Emergency Medicine Cardiology was called to evaluate the patient immediately for emergent cath, but they stated that the ECG did not meet STEMI criteria and elected to wait for further information before proceeding with cath. He was given 6mg IV morphine for ongoing pain.

E-9-1-1 52

E-9-1-1 STEMI Coronary ALS 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. In 2023 we must move beyond that title. Accessed June 10, 2023.

ALS 52

ALS Emergency Department STEMI ED 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 1, 2024

This approach facilitated stabilization of the patient without encountering significant challenges during the angiographic procedure. == MY Comment , by K EN G RAUER, MD ( 12/26 /2023 ): == Today's case by Dr. Aslanger is challenging with an important message. That was also my initial concern. No "baseline" ECG is available for comparison.

Coronary 105

Coronary EMR STEMI Emergency Department 105

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

ACEP Now

OCTOBER 3, 2023

In April 2023, the third edition of the Brain Trauma Foundation’s evidence-based guidelines for the prehospital management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) was published in Prehospital Emergency Care. References Lulla A, et al. 2023; [link] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Spaite DW, Bobrow BJ, Keim SM, et al.

Emergency Medical Services 98

Emergency Medical Services EMS OR Overdose 98

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

FEBRUARY 10, 2023

Inferior ST Depression does NOT mean there is inferior subendocardial ischemia; it is generally reciprocal to high lateral (aVL) subepicardial ischemia (OMI/STEMI) == MY Comment by K EN G RAUER, MD ( 2/10/2023 ): == There are certain patterns in ECG interpretation that experienced providers are able to immediately recognize.

STEMI 52

STEMI ALS Coronary OR 52

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

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. Am J Emerg Med. 2014;32:e5–e8. J Cardiol Cases. 2022;25(6):404-407. 2022.01.006 6.

ACS 87

ACS Coronary ALS CAD 87

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. 2023 May 2;15(5):e38428. 5 Studies looking at this phenomenon in the emergency department setting for patients presenting with chest pain are lacking.

Emergency Department 52

Emergency Department STEMI ACS ED 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JULY 22, 2023

A prior ECG from 1 month ago was available: The presentation ECG was interpreted as STEMI and the patient was transferred emergently to the nearest PCI center. In the largest study looking at this topic by Mizusawa et al., So maybe she is better than I am. There was a 0.9% per year incidence of SCD in this cohort [1].

E-9-1-1 74

E-9-1-1 CAD OR STEMI 74