Remove 2018 Remove AFIB Remove Ischemia
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Arrhythmia? Ischemia? Both? Electricity, drugs, lytics, cath lab? You decide.

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

In some cases the ischemia can be seen "through" the flutter waves, whereas in other cases the arrhythmia must be terminated before the ischemia can be clearly distinguished. First , there can simply be diffuse ST depressions (which obligates reciprocal STE in aVR) associated with tachycardia which are not indicative of ischemia.

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Does this ST Depression Maximal in V3 Represent Posterior OMI?

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

ACUTE MI (I allowed Acute MI to be in the report because I knew there would be an elevated troponin from ischemia, which is the definition of acute MI -- but in this case it would most likely be a Type 2 MI from tachycardia) There is also LA-RA lead reversal. The rhythm is rapid AFib. Atrial fib may cause Occlusion mimic."

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What is strange about this paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in an otherwise healthy patient? And what happened after giving ibutilide?

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

. = My Comment by K EN G RAUER, MD ( 3/15 /2023 ): = I found today’s case highly instructive in highlighting a number of important aspects regarding the presentation and initial treatment of a patient who presents to the ED with new AFib. I focus my comment on a few additional aspects regarding new AFib.

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90 year old with acute chest and epigastric pain, and diffuse ST depression with reciprocal STE in aVR: activate the cath lab?

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

His response: “subendocardial ischemia. Smith : It should be noted that, in subendocardial ischemia, in contrast to OMI, absence of wall motion abnormality is common. With the history of Afib, CTA abdomen was ordered to r/o mesenteric ischemia vs ischemic colitis vs small bowel obstruction. Anything more on history?

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An elderly patient with stuttering chest pain. Don't jump to conclusions.

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

The unique " shape " of the prominent ST-T wave abnormalities in this tracing — that are much more suggestive of some significant form of LVH ( L eft V entricular H ypertophy ) rather than ischemia. WPW Cardiac arrhythmias ( including AFib ). Voltage for LVH ( the R wave in lead aVL easily surpassing 12 mm ).

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A woman in her 60s with palpitations

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

Here is her post-cardioversion ECG: ECG#2 - Immediately post cardioversion: Appropriate ST depression maximal in V5-6 and lead II, secondary to subendocardial ischemia, likely residual from the preceding tachycardia. Patient was referred to electrophysiologic testing due to suspicion of afib and WPW. She was sedated and cardioverted.

AFIB 52
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A teenager involved in a motor vehicle collision with abnormal ECG

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

The ECG shows sinus tachycardia with RBBB and LAFB, without clear additional superimposed signs of ischemia. Other Arrhythmias ( PACs, PVCs, AFib, Bradycardia and AV conduction disorders — potentially lethal VT/VFib ). Chest trauma was suspected on initial exam. Here is his initial ECG around 1330: What do you think?