Journal of electrocardiology
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We aimed to study the prevalence of acute cardiac disorders in patients with suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-significant coronary artery disease (CAD). ⋯ Acute cardiac disorders were diagnosed in two thirds of patients with suspected STEMI and non-significant CAD.
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Prehospital interpretation of electrocardiograms (ECGs) is crucial to ensure early diagnosis and optimal treatment of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Recognition of ST-segment elevations (STE) by qualified personnel in the prehospital phase has successfully reduced the delay from the first medical contact to reperfusion. ⋯ Hyperacute T waves, de Winter ST-T complex, Wellens' syndrome, and posterior STEMI, as well as myocardial infarction in the presence of left bundle branch block, paced rhythm or left ventricular hypertrophy, among others are diagnostic challenges. This article reviews some critical examples of ischemic ECG patterns that may be ephemeral, misinterpreted by medical staff or not identified by automated ECG algorithms, and it emphasizes the importance of serial ECG acquisition.
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This review summarizes the electrocardiographic changes during an evolving ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and discusses associated electrocardiographic scores and the potential use of these indices in clinical practice, in particular the ECG scores developed by Anderson and Wilkins estimating the acuteness of myocardial ischemia and Sclarovsky-Birnbaum's grades of ischemia evaluating the severity of ongoing ischemia.
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Following reperfusion therapy, early T wave inversions (TWI) have been shown to be a marker of successful reperfusion. We aimed to evaluate the relationship of TWI on the presenting ECG with spontaneous reperfusion as assessed by coronary angiography in patients with ST elevation (STE) myocardial infarction (STEMI). ⋯ In anterior STEMI patients, TWI on the presenting ECG is associated with spontaneous reperfusion. This relationship was not found among patients with non-anterior STEMI.