Remove Critical Care Remove Echocardiogram Remove STEMI
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Tachycardia must make you doubt an ACS or STEMI diagnosis; put it all in clinical context

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

He was rushed by residents into our critical care room with a diagnosis of STEMI, and they handed me this ECG: There is sinus tachycardia with ST elevation in II, III, and aVF, as well as V4-V6. At first glance, it seems the patient is having a STEMI. Then ACS (STEMI) might be primary; this might be cardiogenic shock.

STEMI 52
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An elderly male with shortness of breath

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

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. Is it normal STE? The computer thinks so, and the physician thinks that is quite possible. However , there is terminal QRS distortion in lead V3.

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Opiate overdose, without chest pain or shortness of breath. Cognitive dissonance.

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

This EKG was recorded as part of a standing order for critical care. After discussing all of the above with ED staff, we have made a decision to get stat echocardiogram and assess overall LV function and wall motion abnormalities and defer cath lab activation at the time." He had been smoking an opiate and suddenly collapsed.