ECG & Echo Learning

JANUARY 18, 2023

STEMI , ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction ). 1 Initial diagnosis of STEMI ECG Management Recommendation Level of evidence A 12-lead ECG should be interpreted immediately (within 10 minutes) at first medical contact. I C If possible, patients should bypass non-PCI centres to a PCI-capable centre.

STEMI 40

STEMI Coronary OR Defibrillator 40

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 1, 2023

She knows the baseline is normal, and she knows the STEMI(-) OMI one is diagnostic of OMI, with the highest possible confidence. Here is the EM decision making: "The patient's EKG revealed some repolarization abnormalities but no clear signs of a STEMI. Back to the case: Unfortunately, the ECG was not understood by the provider.

OR 129

OR STEMI Coronary CAD 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. A mong patients with STEMI, ventricular septal rupture is the most common and free wall rupture is the least common.

STEMI 105

STEMI Coronary OR ALS 105

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

Methods and Results Patients with confirmed ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by emergency medical services were included in this retrospective cohort analysis of the AVOID study. There was no association between moderate to severe chest pain on arrival and major adverse cardiac events at 6 months (20% vs. 14%, p=0.12).

STEMI 111

STEMI Coronary Emergency Medical Services OR 111

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 112

STEMI ALS OR 112

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. See these posts: Chest Pain, ST Elevation, and an Elevated Troponin: Should we Activate the Cath Lab?

STEMI 104

STEMI Coronary ACS ED 104

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 27, 2024

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. N Engl J Med [Internet] 2019;Available from: [link] Should all patients with shockable arrest be taken to angiography regardless of STEMI or No STEMI?

Defibrillator 94

Defibrillator STEMI Coronary ALS 94

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

AUGUST 10, 2023

This doesn’t meet STEMI criteria so in the current paradigm there’s no urgency to getting an angiogram. The initial ECG suggested either subacute or reperfused inferoposterior occlusion and clearly does not meet traditional STEMI criteria. Discharge diagnosis was ‘STEMI’, even though no ECG ever met STEMI criteria.

STEMI 89

STEMI ACS Emergency Department ED 89

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

Even in patients whose moderate stenosis undergoes thrombosis, most angiograms show greater than 50% stenosis after the event. See "Prevention of cardiovascular disease events in those with established disease (secondary prevention) or at very high risk".) From Gue at al.

Coronary 103

Coronary E-9-1-1 STEMI ACS 103

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 20, 2024

The cardiologist recognized that there were EKG changes, but did not take the patient for emergent catheterization because the EKG was “not meeting criteria for STEMI”. Troponin was elevated and no “STEMI” was seen on the EKG, so if it is acute MI, then “NSTEMI” is the diagnosis (however flawed), not a pathology on the differential.

CAD 126

CAD STEMI Coronary ACS 126

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 7, 2024

Smith : there is some minimal ST elevation in V2-V6, but does not meet STEMI criteria. Transient STEMI has been studied and many of these patients will re-occlude in the middle of the night. And dynamic ST-T wave changes between ECG #1 and ECG #2 confirm an acute event in progress. Is it normal STE? This is a "Transient OMI".

STEMI 115

STEMI ACS Critical Care OR 115

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. So despite the artifact — and even without any history — this initial ECG has to be interpreted as an acute event until proven otherwise.

STEMI 82

STEMI Emergency Department OR ALS 82

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 31, 2023

This was marked as "Not a STEMI" by the physicians. It is not a STEMI, but it is diagnostic of an LAD OMI (Occlusion MI). has outperformed many cardiologists in its ability to recognize with "high confidence" acute OMIs from ECGs not satisfying STEMI-criteria. This was sent to me by a friend.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary OR ED 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

Post Cath ECG: Obviously completing MI with LVA morphology, and STE that meets STEMI criteria (but pt is still diagnosed as "NSTEMI"). Day 12 ECG: FINAL DIAGNOSIS: "NSTEMI" Despite the fact that his day 4 ECG easily meets STEMI criteria, the patient is diagnosed as NSTEMI. No TIMI flow was listed in the report.

E-9-1-1 82

E-9-1-1 ACS STEMI Coronary 82

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.

STEMI 85

STEMI ACS OR ALS 85

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." Immediate versus delayed invasive intervention for non-stemi patients. Is there anything else on the tracing to corroborate inferior OMI?

E-9-1-1 125

E-9-1-1 ACS Coronary STEMI 125

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023

It does, in fact, the STE meets STEMI criteria since there is 1 mm of in V4 and V5. As discussed above in Dr. Smith's excellent discussion — serial ECGs, correlated to severity of patient symptoms soon confirmed the acute event in today's patient. This ECG was texted to me with no other information. What did I say?

OR 126

OR STEMI Coronary 126

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

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 17, 2023

Troponin T peaked at 2074 ng/L (very high, typical of OMI/STEMI). As a result — the onset of any acute event that may have occurred is uncertain. Post PCI the patient became gravely hypotensive and "shocky". She stabilized on dobutamine and levosimendan infusions that could be discontinued after 24 hours. 21, 2017 ).

STEMI 99

STEMI OR ACS ALS 99

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 1, 2022

While not essential for making the "correct clinical decision" ( which would have been prompt cath performed much sooner than it was ) — I thought serial ECGs did reveal important clues to the ongoing event. Figure-1: I've labeled the 1st, 2nd and 4th tracings in today's case ( See text ).

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary OR ALS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 24, 2018

This is all but diagnostic of STEMI, probably due to wraparound LAD The cath lab was activated. These include: i ) appreciation of how problematic the definition of “acute STEMI” can be; and , ii ) illustration of how dependence on this definition may result in overlooking acute coronary occlusion.

E-9-1-1 52

E-9-1-1 STEMI ACS Coronary 52

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 120

Coronary STEMI ED OR 120

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 21, 2023

Now let’s compare this with the existing paradigm to identify multiple preventable delays to reperfusion, which can be improved through the paradigm shift from STEMI to OMI. In the STEMI paradigm, patients with ischemic symptoms and ECGs that don’t meet STEMI criteria get serial ECGs.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary EMR OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 26, 2020

Is this inferor STEMI? Atrial Flutter with Inferior STEMI? Inferolateral ST elevation, vomiting, and elevated troponin The treating team did not identify the flutter waves and they became worried about possible "STEMI" (despite the unusual clinical scenario). The EM provider asked if the cardiologist thought it was a "STEMI."

STEMI 52

STEMI ACS Coronary Emergency Department 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

The emergency physician asked the advice of Dr. Reiters because of absence of STEMI criteria. But if the pain is persistent, as reported, then the patient must go to the cath lab even if the ECG suggests reperfusion. YOU TOO CAN HAVE THE PM Cardio AI BOT!! The T waves in high-lateral leads I and aVL are disproportionately tall and peaked.

STEMI 104

STEMI ACS OR 104

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 19, 2020

There is STE in III and aVF which does not meet STEMI criteria due to insufficient STE in lead aVF. The interventionalists insisted that the ECGs did not meet STEMI criteria and cancelled the activation, stating that they would consider urgent cath after further stabilization. This is an obvious inferoposterior OMI.

E-9-1-1 52

E-9-1-1 STEMI ED EMS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 3, 2023

He reports that this chest pain feels different than prior chest pain when he had his STEMI/OMI, but is unable to further describe chest pain. Sensitivity was 87% for OMI in our validation study (it was 34% for STEMI criteria). But I'd be less certain about an acute event without more information and prior and/or serial tracings.

Defibrillator 133

Defibrillator Coronary STEMI CPR 133

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. 24 yo woman with chest pain: Is this STEMI? This is not "diffuse", this is simply anterior, lateral, and likely apical.

Coronary 52

Coronary STEMI Heart Attack OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JULY 19, 2019

This morphology can be cause by or associated with cocaine: A Patient with Cocaine Chest Pain and Prehospital Computer interpretation of STEMI This is OMI of the anterior, lateral, and inferior walls until proven otherwise. But it does not meet STEMI criteria and it was not initially recognized. The cath lab was now activated.

STEMI 52

STEMI ED ACS OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 20, 2023

Since then, I started looking for OMI EKG findings and not just STEMI. Remember: these findings above are included as STEMI equivalent findings in the 2022 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on ACS Patients in the ED. mm in lead I, thus not STEMI criteria) and was finally understood by the cardiologist.

STEMI 52

STEMI ACS CAD ED 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 14, 2023

The triage ECG was interpreted correctly as "No STEMI." This finally prompted a repeat ECG at 1341: 1350: Obviously STEMI(+) OMI. As per Dr. Meyers — Confirmation of an acute ongoing event was immediately forthcoming as soon as baseline ECGs on this patient were obtained. The second troponin returned higher at 45 ng/L.

CAD 52

CAD ACS STEMI Coronary 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 17, 2022

If you were thinking that this is not anterior OMI because there is no reciprocal ST depression , it is important to remember that half of anterior STEMI do NOT have any reciprocal ST depression. There is No Acute Cardiac Event: As per Dr. Smith — there is no acute cardiac event in ECG #1. Anterior OMI? Pericarditis?

E-9-1-1 52

E-9-1-1 OR STEMI 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 19, 2023

The patient was diagnosed with a"Non-STEMI." Traditionally , Occlusion MI (OMI) myocardial infarctions that are not STEMI are called NonSTEMI. As per Dr. Smith — as soon as a prior ECG from today’s patient became available — the diagnosis of an acute ( presumably ongoing ) cardiac event was confirmed.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary CAD OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 27, 2021

The patient has heart failure as a result of this event. Meyers note: notice in their documentation many of the classic mistakes of the STEMI generation: "Non ST Elevation MI" as their reasoning for why the patient did not merit emergent reperfusion, while simultaneously calling it "emergently" (after 8 hours!!!) It was not a STEMI) 1.

STEMI 52

STEMI ACS Coronary ED 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

JULY 26, 2023

Overall — I did not get a "sense" that ECG #1 represented an acute cardiac event. At this point — I learned a bit more about today's patient: The patient is a man who had an inferior STEMI in 2010. He did not complain of any new symptoms that might suggest an acute cardiac event.

STEMI 52

STEMI ED OR 52