International journal of cardiology
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This study aimed to compare the accuracy of ECG interpretation for diagnosis of STEMI by different groups of healthcare professionals involved in the STEMI program at our institution. ⋯ Our study showed that healthcare profession and number of ECGs reviewed per week are predictive of the accuracy of ECG interpretation of STEMI. Cardiologists are the most accurate diagnosticians, and are the least likely to falsely activate the CCL. Weekly exposure of ≥ 20 ECGs may improve diagnostic accuracy regardless of underlying experience.
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To assess the prognostic relevance of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) values and their serial changes as measured with a high-sensitivity assay in acute ischaemic stroke. ⋯ Our study adds novel findings relevant for interpretation of highly sensitive cTnT assays in acute ischaemic stroke: a) Myocardial injury is detectable in more than half of patients; b) even moderately elevated cTnT is associated with unfavourable outcome (optimal cut-off 16 ng/l); and c) dynamic changes in cTnT indicate an increased risk of in-hospital death.
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Observational Study
Developing a risk prediction model for survival to discharge in cardiac arrest patients who undergo extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Limited data are available on a risk model for survival to discharge after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). We aimed to develop a risk prediction model for survival to discharge in cardiac arrest patients who undergo ECMO. ⋯ The new risk prediction model might be helpful for decisions about ECPR management and could provide better information regarding early prognosis.
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Despite the widespread use of Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters, there is no quality evidence to demonstrate their efficacy for routine use, nor there is a consensus on their appropriate indications among major medical societies. The introduction of retrievable filters led to further increase in the utilization of these devices. However, several studies have shown that retrievable filters are rarely retrieved. ⋯ Food and Drug Administration has recently issued a safety alert advocating for consideration of filter retrieval when the protection offered by the filter is no longer needed. The controversies surrounding IVC filter placement and retrieval, however, will likely to continue in the absence of good evidence on their efficacy and side effects. Time has come for initiatives to conduct well designed trials based on agreed-upon criteria to settle this debate.
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Letter Case Reports
A rare case with unroofed coronary sinus defect and aneurysmal mid-cardiac vein.