Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 27, 2024

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]

STEMI 120

STEMI Coronary ALS Emergency Department 120

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. Similarly, if a patient with known CAD presents with refractory ischemic chest pain, the ECG barely matters: the pre-test likelihood of acute coronary occlusion is so high that they need an emergent angiogram.

STEMI 119

STEMI Coronary ALS CAD 119

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

JUNE 19, 2023

This ECG was read as “No STEMI” with no prior available for comparison. It is true this ECG does not meet STEMI criteria (there is 1.0 Armstrong et al. The patient has also developed sinus bradycardia, which may result from right coronary artery ischemia to the SA node. What do you think? mm STE in III, and possibly 0.5

STEMI 52

STEMI ACS Coronary Defibrillator 52

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 84

STEMI Coronary ACS OR 84

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

The Skeptics' Guide to EM

SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

Date: September 8th, 2021 Reference: Desch et al. Date: September 8th, 2021 Reference: Desch et al. Defibrillation is the treatment of choice in these cases but does not often result in sustained ROSC ( Kudenchuk et al 2006). Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is responsible for the majority (60%) of all OHCAs in patients.

EMR 130

EMR Coronary Defibrillator Life Support 130

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 27, 2024

The proof of this is that only 5% of patients enrolled had acute coronary occlusion. COACT: The COACT trial was fatally flawed, and because of it, many cardiologists are convinced that if there are no STEMI criteria, the patient does not need to go to the cath lab. Lemkes JS, Janssens GN, van der Hoeven NW, et al. 5% vs. 58%!!

Defibrillator 93

Defibrillator STEMI Coronary ALS 93

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. Coronaries were normal, as was serial troponin. Vitals were normal.

STEMI 73

STEMI Paramedic Coronary ED 73

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 27, 2024

Old ‘NSTEMI’ A history of coronary artery disease and a stent to the same territory further increases pre-test likelihood of acute coronary occlusion, including in-stent thrombosis. So this NSTEMI was likely a STEMI(-)OMI with delayed reperfusion. Deutch et al.

STEMI 105

STEMI Coronary ACS ED 105

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

AUGUST 9, 2019

Post by Smith and Meyers Sam Ghali ( [link] ) just asked me (Smith): "Steve, do left main coronary artery *occlusions* (actual ones with transmural ischemia) have ST Depression or ST Elevation in aVR?" All are, however, clearly massive STEMI. This is her ECG: An obvious STEMI, but which artery? Widimsky P et al.

Coronary 52

Coronary STEMI ACS ALS 52

EMS 12-Lead

MAY 20, 2022

Additional architectural changes include systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, endothelial dysfunction at the level of the coronary arterial bed, and ventricular diastolic dysfunction. This worried the crew of potential acute coronary syndrome and STEMI was activated pre-hospital. It is spread to V2 and V3.

Coronary 130

Coronary STEMI Firefighter ED 130

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 22, 2024

"Unfortunately, the cardiologist waited until the next day to refer the patient for angiography and intervention because patient did not meet criteria for "STEMI"." The coronary angiography showed a 100% ostial main (obtuse) marginal occlusion!" Dominant right coronary, atherosclerotic and calcified. Peak troponin: 128,000 ng/L.

Coronary 66

Coronary STEMI OR ALS 66

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. Thanks in part to rapid bedside diagnosis, the patient was able to avoid emergent coronary angiography. When EMS found her, she was dyspneic and diaphoretic.

E-9-1-1 113

E-9-1-1 Coronary STEMI ALS 113

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 21, 2023

Below is the version standardized by PM Cardio app Meyers interpretation: Findings are specific for posterior (and also likely inferior) wall transmural acute infarction, most likely due to acute coronary occlusion (OMI). Smith Comment: Is is common for the artery to be open at angiogram in OMI, including full STEMI.

STEMI 98

STEMI Coronary Defibrillator EMS 98

ECG & Echo Learning

JANUARY 18, 2023

This page summarises the most current recommendations for the management of acute coronary syndromes with persistent ST-segment elevations (i.e STEMI , ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction ). I B Ambulance personnel must be trained and equipped to identify STEMI and administer fibrinolysis if necessary.

STEMI 40

STEMI Coronary OR Defibrillator 40

REBEL EM

MARCH 2, 2023

Background: Historically, we have treated acute coronary syndrome with supplemental oxygen regardless of the patient ’ s oxygen saturation. More recent evidence, however, demonstrates that too much oxygen could be harmful ( AVOID Trial ) by causing coronary vasoconstriction and increasing oxidative stress. Low O2 protocol: 3.1%

ACS 52

ACS Coronary STEMI Ambulance 52

EMS 12-Lead

JUNE 20, 2022

A prehospital STEMI activation was transmitted to the closest PCI center, and 324mg ASA was administered. One cannot rely on this feature as a means of detecting changes – subtle, or dramatic – for volatile occlusive coronary thrombus. It’s important to stress the presence of a normal QRS (i.e., The pathology is now painfully evident.

ACS 130

ACS Coronary STEMI CAD 130

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 117

Coronary STEMI ED OR 117

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

EMS 12-Lead

APRIL 8, 2022

BP 142/100 HR 90 RR 16 (BBS CTA) SpO2 99 (RA) Dstick 110 My colleagues noted the ST-depression in the respective leads, as well, and STEMI activated to the nearest PCI center. 1] Here is the admitting ED ECG after cancellation of Code STEMI. Cardiology admitted him for observation with plans for next-day coronary angiogram.

STEMI 130

STEMI ALS Coronary CAD 130

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. 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.

STEMI 118

STEMI Emergency Department Coronary OR 118

EMS 12-Lead

APRIL 21, 2022

There is appreciable STE aVR with near-global STD that appropriately maximizes in Leads II and V5, and thus suggesting a circumstance of generic, diffusely populated, circumferential subendocardial ischemia versus occlusive coronary thrombus. [1] STEMI was activated and the patient went to Cath on arrival. link] [1] Mirand, D.

Coronary 130

Coronary ALS OR ACS 130

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 137

Life Support Coronary CPR ICU 137

The Skeptics' Guide to EM

OCTOBER 22, 2017

[display_podcast] Date: October 19th, 2017 Reference: Hofmann et al. display_podcast] Date: October 19th, 2017 Reference: Hofmann et al. The ECG shows an inferior ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). A systematic review by Wijesinge et al from 2009 found only two randomized control trials looking at supplemental oxygen.

Emergency Medical Services 130

Emergency Medical Services Coronary ALS STEMI 130

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

AUGUST 9, 2024

The receiving emergency physician consulted with interventional cardiology who stated there was no STEMI. Serial ECGs enhance the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. Bigger et al. Is there STEMI? Sadowski ZP, Alexander JH, Skrabucha B, et al. The patient continued having chest pain. Leave it alone. Moffat, M.

STEMI 87

STEMI Coronary Heart Attack ACS 87

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

NOVEMBER 30, 2022

Hospital Course The patient was taken emergently to the cath lab which did not reveal any significant coronary artery disease, but she was noted to have reduced EF consistent with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Reference on Troponins: Xenogiannis I, Vemmou E, Nikolakopoulos I, et al. It can only be seen by IVUS. MINOCA has many etiologies.

Emergency Department 52

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

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 92

STEMI Coronary Paramedic OR 92

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

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.) have perfect coronary flow by the time of angiogram. Clinical history is needed.

STEMI 82

STEMI Coronary Ambulance ED 82

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. Electrocardiographic Differentiation Between Acute Pulmonary Embolism and Acute Coronary Syndromes on the Basis of Negative T Waves - ScienceDirect. Stein et al.

E-9-1-1 137

E-9-1-1 ACS Emergency Department Coronary 137

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 9, 2023

50% of LAD STEMIs do not have reciprocal findings in inferior leads, and many LAD OMIs instead have STE and/or HATWs in inferior leads instead. The ECG easily meets STEMI criteria in all leads V2-V6, as well. Repeat CT angio chest (not CT coronary, unclear what protocol) showed possible LAD aneurysm and thrombus. Pericarditis?

Coronary 52

Coronary STEMI Heart Attack 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

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 116

Defibrillator Coronary ALS STEMI 116

EMS 12-Lead

APRIL 14, 2022

It should be emphasized here that this is a presentation of high-pretest probability for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). There is mixed overlap of ST-segment elevation (STE), ST-segment depression (STD), Hyperacute T waves (HATW), and deWinter pattern (which the ACC regards as a STEMI-equivalent but is better suited under the blanket of OMI).

ACS 130

ACS Paramedic Coronary ALS 130

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