Journal of electrocardiology
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Cerebrogenic ECG abnormalities, especially prominent T wave inversions and prolongation of the QT(U) interval, are well-described. Brady- and tachyarrhythmias, including polymorphic VT, have been also described in the setting of neurologic injury. ⋯ Serial ECG findings included marked ventricular repolarization prolongation with bursts of torsade de pointes, diffuse ST elevations simulating extensive myocardial ischemia or infarction, as well as a Brugada-like pattern. To our knowledge, this case is the first reported with the combination of such findings in a patient with a catastrophic neurologic syndrome.
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Comparative Study
Predicting defibrillation success in sudden cardiac arrest patients.
Although the importance of quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and its link to survival is still emphasized, there has been recent debate about the balance between CPR and defibrillation, particularly for long response times. Defibrillation shocks for ventricular fibrillation (VF) of recently perfused hearts have high success for the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), but hearts with depleted adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stores have low recovery rates. Since quality CPR has been shown to both slow the degradation process and restore cardiac viability, a measurement of patient condition to optimize the timing of defibrillation shocks may improve outcomes compared to time-based protocols. ⋯ For Sp = 90%, the Se range was 33-45%; for Se = 90%, the Sp range was 49-63%. The features showed good shock-success prediction performance. We believe that a defibrillator employing a clinical decision tool based on these features has the potential to improve overall survival from cardiac arrest.
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Review
Novel technical solutions for wireless ECG transmission & analysis in the age of the internet cloud.
Current guidelines recommend early reperfusion therapy for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) within 90 min of first medical encounter. Telecardiology entails the use of advanced communication technologies to transmit the prehospital 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to offsite cardiologists for early triage to the cath lab; which has been shown to dramatically reduce door-to-balloon time and total mortality. ⋯ Current and potential solutions to address each of these technical challenges are discussed in details and include: automated ECG transmission protocols; annotatable waveform-based ECGs; optimal routing solutions; and the use of cloud computing systems rather than vendor-specific processing stations. Nevertheless, strategies to monitor transmission effectiveness and patient outcomes are essential to sustain initial gains of implementing ECG transmission technologies.
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Comparative Study
New ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction criteria for left bundle branch block based on QRS area.
ECG detection of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the presence of left bundle-branch block (LBBB) is challenging due to ST deviation from the altered conduction. The purpose of this study was to introduce a new algorithm for STEMI detection in LBBB and compare the performance to three existing algorithms. ⋯ As can be seen from the difference between Sgarbossa score ≥ 3 and other algorithms for STEMI in LBBB, a discordant ST elevation criterion improves the sensitivity for detection but also results in a drop in specificity. For applications of automated STEMI detection that require higher sensitivity, the Selvester algorithm is better. For applications that require a low false positive rate such as relying on the algorithm for pre-hospital activation of cardiac catheterization laboratory for urgent PCI, it may be better to use the 2 lead Philips QRS area or Smith 25% S-wave algorithm.
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Patients with ST elevation (STE) in ≥ 2 leads or ST depression (STD) confined to V₁-V₄ are defined as potential STE myocardial infarction (STEMI). We evaluated the incidence of missed STEMI over an 11-month period. ⋯ A significant percentage of patients met STEMI ECG criteria. A large number of patients with STD in V₁-V₆ had angiographic evidence compatible with inferolateral (posterior) STEMI equivalent.