Emergent Reperfusion Research Articles

Electrocardiographic criteria for occlusive and prognostically unfavorable coronary artery disease

Since patients with occlusive coronary artery thrombosis benefit more from emergency reperfusion, after the widespread introduction of thrombolytic therapy, the concept of Q-wave and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction was replaced by the concept of ST-segment elevation (STE) and non-STE (NSTE) acute coronary syndrome (ACS). But at present, due to the spread of mechanical reperfusion, this concept does not seem to be fully perfect. The electrocardiographic (ECG) diagnostic method allows, among patients with NSTE-ACS, to identify a group of patients with occlusive and/or prognostically unfavorable hemodynamically significant coronary lesions, as well as to provide them with timely percutaneous coronary intervention as early as possible and to improve outcomes. This article rationales changing approaches to the management of patients with NSTE-ACS and analyzes in detail the currently known ECG criteria for occlusive and/or prognostically unfavorable coronary lesions.

Risk of Delayed Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for STEMI in the Southeast United States.

Emergent reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 90 minutes of first medical contact (FMC) is indicated in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, long transport times in rural areas in the Southeast US make meeting this goal difficult. The objective of this study was to determine the number of Southeast US residents with prolonged transport times to the nearest 24/7 primary PCI (PPCI) center. A cross-sectional study of residents in the Southeastern US was conducted based on geographical and 2022 5-Year American Community Survey data. The geographic information system (GIS) ArcGIS Pro was used to estimate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transport times for Southeast US residents to the nearest PPCI center. All 24/7 PPCI centers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee were included in the analysis, as well as nearby PPCI centers in surrounding states. To identify those at risk of delayed FMC-to-device time, the primary outcome was defined as a >30-minute transport time, beyond which most patients would not have PCI within 90 minutes. A secondary outcome was defined as transport >60 minutes, the point at which FMC-to-device time would be >120 minutes most of the time. These cutoffs are based on national median EMS scene times and door-to-device times. Within the Southeast US, we identified 62,880,528 residents and 350 PPCI centers. Nearly 11 million people living in the Southeast US reside greater than 30 minutes from a PPCI center (17.3%, 10,866,710, +/- 58,143), with 2% (1,271,522 +/- 51,858) living greater than 60 minutes from a PPCI hospital. However, most patients reside in short transport zones; 82.7% (52,013,818 +/- 98,741). Within the Southeast region, 8.4% (52/616) of counties have more than 50% of their population in a long transport zone and 42.3% (22/52) of those have more than 90% of their population in long transport areas. Nearly 11 million people in the Southeast US do not have access to timely PCI for STEMI care. This disparity may contribute to increased morbidity and mortality.

A Study of Efficacy and Outcomes of Two Techniques of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Abstract Background Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (A Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique [ADAPT] and Solitaire stent retrieval techniques) as an emergency reperfusion therapy in acute ischemic stroke patients avoids secondary brain insult and thereby prevents permanent neurological deficits. As studies comparing the two thrombectomy procedures are scarce, we evaluated their efficacy. Methods In this prospective observational study done at Manipal Hospitals Bangalore, 75 patients were separated into two groups based on the final reperfusion technique employed: ADAPT group with 39 patients who underwent contact aspiration technique and Solitaire group with 36 patients who underwent stent retrieval thrombectomy. The rate of successful reperfusion (modified treatment in cerebral infarction scores [mTICI]); functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS] and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]) at 24 hours, 1 month and 3 months postintervention; and the adverse events were compared between the two groups. Results Successful reperfusion was significantly higher in the ADAPT group. Mean NIHSS and mRS scores reduced significantly postintervention for both groups, but was greater for the ADAPT group, while mortality and other adverse events were significantly greater in the solitaire group. Conclusion Mechanical thrombectomy is an effective reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke patients. Comparing the two techniques revealed better outcomes for ADAPT, than stent retrieval technique.

Cerebral dysfunction in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background. The article discusses the features of one of the complications of acute myocardial infarction – cerebral dysfunction, which negatively affects the quality of life of patients, worsens the disease prognosis, increases the hospital length of stay and the risk of death. The presence of cerebral disorders in patients with acute myocardial infarction causes difficulties in the choice of therapeutic tactics, including the decision on myocardial revascularization. The identification of predictive factors for cerebral deficiency in acute myocardial infarction and the development of an algorithm for the management of such patients is an urgent task of today medicine.Aim. To study the features of cerebral dysfunction in patients with myocardial infarction according to contemporary Russian and foreign literature sources. To create an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral dysfunction in patients with acute myocardial infarction.Material and methods. Patients with acute myocardial infarction who developed cerebral dysfunction in the acute period of the disease were examined.Conclusion. Timely diagnosis, antiplatelet therapy, emergency reperfusion therapy in the acute period of myocardial infarction, as well as preventive measures reduce the development of cerebral complications, improve the results of treatment of patients with myocardial infarction, reduce the number of inpatient treatment days, as well as improve the long term prognosis.

Effect of Treatment Choice on Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes for Carotid Near-Occlusion: A Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveCurrent guidelines recommend best medical treatment (BMT) over revascularization for carotid near occlusion (CNO); however, it remains unclear whether BMT, carotid artery stenting (CAS), or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the optimal treatment strategy. The present meta-analysis aimed to compare outcomes amongst CNO patients receiving BMT, CAS, or CEA. MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were searched. English studies with ≥1-month follow-up, used established CNO diagnostic guidelines, provided outcomes by treatment, and where 95% confidence intervals were calculable were included. Studies on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) requiring emergent reperfusion therapy, non-atherosclerotic lesions, non-primary research articles, non-English, and non-human studies were excluded. Outcomes were mortality, AIS, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and myocardial infarction (MI) within and beyond 30 days and restenosis. Generalized linear mixed model, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression were used to compare outcomes. Results38 studies were included. Pooled rates for AIS beyond 30 days were 9.90% (95% CI: 4.31%, 21.16%), 0.79% (95% CI: 0.24%, 2.53%), and 0.80% (95% CI: 0.15%, 4.07%) for BMT, CAS, and CEA respectively. Subgroup analysis was statistically significant (p<0.001). Meta-regression demonstrated lower incidence favoring procedural intervention (CAS vs BMT, p=0.001; CEA vs. BMT, p=0.003). Subgroup analysis for mortality beyond 30-days was also significant (p=0.016) but meta-regression did not favor one treatment over another. Other outcomes were not statistically significant. ConclusionRevascularization for CNO may decrease long-term stroke rates. Given current guidelines are based on RCTs from the 1990s, updated randomized trials are warranted to determine optimal treatment for CNO.

Pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndromes-Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations.

Coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndromes are accountable for significant morbidity and mortality, despite the preventive measures and technological advancements in their management. Thus, it is mandatory to further explore the pathophysiology in order to provide tailored and more effective therapies, since acute coronary syndrome pathogenesis is more varied than previously assumed. It consists of plaque rupture, plaque erosion, and calcified nodules. The advancement of vascular imaging tools has been critical in this regard, redefining the epidemiology of each mechanism. When it comes to acute coronary syndrome management, the presence of ruptured plaques almost always necessitates emergent reperfusion, whereas the presence of plaque erosions may indicate the possibility of conservative management with potent antiplatelet and anti-atherosclerotic medications. Calcified nodules, on the other hand, are an uncommon phenomenon that has largely gone unexplored in terms of the best management plan. Future studies should further establish the importance of detecting the underlying mechanism and the role of various treatment plans in each of these distinct entities.

Inferior Subtle ST Elevation. Would You Activate Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory?

BackgroundAccording to guidelines, patients with inferior myocardial infarction only qualify for emergent reperfusion if they have at least 1 mm of ST elevation in two contiguous inferior leads. Although this has remained the standard for years, acute coronary occlusion may occur in patients with nondiagnostic ST elevation. Accordingly, a paradigm change is instigated, shifting the focus to physiopathology (occlusion myocardial infarction) rather than ST criteria. Case ReportA middle-aged man presented to our emergency department with chest pain and subtle nondiagnostic electrocardiography (ECG) changes in inferior leads. A careful examination of aVL to detect ST depression in this lead was the key to successfully diagnosing occlusion myocardial infarction, allowing early revascularization of an occluded right coronary artery. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Accurate diagnosis of coronary occlusion by means of ECG can be challenging in certain situations, as acute myocardial ischemia may occur in patients with nondiagnostic ST elevation, especially in the inferior leads. A thorough examination of aVL searching for ST depression is essential in these situations.

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Series and Literature Review.

High-risk Pulmonary Embolism (PE) has an ominous prognosis and requires emergent reperfusion therapy, primarily systemic thrombolysis (ST). In deteriorating patients or with contraindications to ST, Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) may be life-saving, as supported by several retrospective studies. However, due to the heterogeneous clinical presentation (refractory shock, resuscitated cardiac arrest (CA) or refractory CA), the real impact of VA-ECMO in high-risk PE remains to be fully determined. In this study, we present our centre experience with VA-ECMO for high-risk PE. From 2008 to 2020, we analyzed all consecutive patients treated with VA-ECMO for high-risk PE in our tertiary 35-bed intensive care unit (ICU). Demographic variables, types of reperfusion therapies, indications for VA-ECMO (refractory shock or refractory CA requiring extra-corporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ECPR), hemodynamic variables, initial arterial blood lactate and ICU complications were recorded. The primary outcome was ICU survival, and secondary outcome was hospital survival. Our cohort included 18 patients (9F/9M, median age 57 years old). VA-ECMO was indicated for refractory shock in 7 patients (2 primary and 5 following resuscitated CA) and for refractory CA in 11 patients. Eight patients received anticoagulation only, 9 received ST, and 4 underwent surgical embolectomy. ICU survival was 1/11 (9%) for ECPR vs 3/7 (42%) in patients with refractory shock (p = 0.03, log-rank test). Hospital survival was 0/11 (0%) for ECPR vs 3/7 for refractory shock (p = 0.01, log-rank test). Survivors and Non-survivors had comparable demographic and hemodynamic variables, pulmonary obstruction index, and amounts of administered vasoactive drugs. Pre-ECMO lactate was significantly higher in non-survivors. Massive bleeding was the most frequent complication in survivors and non-survivors, and was the direct cause of death in 3 patients, all treated with ST. VA-ECMO for high-risk PE has very different outcomes depending on the clinical context. Furthermore, VA-ECMO was associated with significant bleeding complications, with more severe consequences following systemic thrombolysis. Future studies on VA-ECMO for high-risk PE should therefore take into account the distinct clinical presentations and should determine the best strategy for reperfusion in such circumstances.

Outcome following late reperfusion with PCI in stable patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction presenting more than 12 hours from onset of symptoms

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction 8-40% of patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) present later than 12 hours after symptom onset. According to guidelines these late presenters maintain indication for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) when there are signs of ongoing ischemia. However, it prevails uncertainty in relation to the best approach in stable late presenters. Aims Describe the profile of stable late STEMI presenters and evaluate the trends of reperfusion decision in the Portuguese reality; compare early term outcomes between patients submitted to emergent primary PCI and those in which it was preferred an initial conservative approach. Methods Retrospective analysis of patients with STEMI presenting ≥12-48h hours after the beginning of the symptoms between October 2010 and December 2019 without evidence of ongoing ischemia, inserted in a national registry of acute coronary syndromes. Patients were dichotomized and compared according to whether or not were submitted to emergent reperfusion based on primary PCI. Results 274 patients were included (2.3% of all STEMI), predominantly men (67.5%), with a mean age of 68±13 years old. Emergent PCI was performed in a minority (15.7%; n=43); even so, coronarography ended up being executed in 61.3% of the admissions, with angioplasty performed in 47.1% of the cases. Right coronary artery was the most common intervened vessel (50.8%). Inotropes were necessary in 4.6% of the patients, with no reports of ventricular assistance device use. Mean ejection fraction was 51±12% with no differences between groups. Patients submitted to emergent PCI (15.7%) had a lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation (0 vs. 9.3%, p=0.04) and had more commonly electrocardiographic criteria for anterior STEMI (64.3% vs. 41.4%, p=0.006). Nitrates were significantly less prescribed at discharge in this subgroup (4.9% vs. 26.8%; p=0.002). Apart from aborted cardiac arrest, that was more prevalent in patients submitted to emergent reperfusion (4.8% vs. 0.9%, p=0.12), it was observed a tendency toward a lower percentage in this subgroup in all other early hard clinical outcomes such as re-infarction (0 vs. 0.4%, p=1.00), mechanical complications (0 vs. 2.2%; p=1.00), sustained ventricular tachycardia (0 vs. 0.9%, p=1.00) and in-hospital death (0% vs. 4.4%, p=0.37). However, none of the differences have reached statistical significance. Conclusion The study shows that, in the Portuguese reality, emergent reperfusion is adopted in only a minority of late stable STEMI patients, with a clear tendency to perform it more frequently in subacute anterior STEMI. Emergent PCI strategy did not show a clear benefit in terms of left ventricular function, risk of re-infarction, arrhythmic and mechanical complications, and in-hospital death. On the other hand, there was apparently a significant advantage of this strategy in ischemic symptom control.

De Winter syndrome, a STEMI-equivalent ECG pattern leading to life-threatening arrhythmia: A case report from a non-cardiac catheterization laboratory hospital

de Winter syndrome is a rare but important electrocardiographic pattern to recognize in patients presenting with chest pain. Under-recognition and delayed revascularization in patients with de Winter syndrome may lead to poor clinical outcomes. Despite increasing evidence of its association with total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery, the role of thrombolysis in the absence of percutaneous coronary intervention is not specifically addressed in recent international guidelines. Herein, we report a case of a 50-year-old gentleman with no known medical illness who presented with excruciating chest pain associated with diaphoresis, nausea, and reduced effort tolerance. Clinical examination revealed a distressed patient with bibasal crepitations with no other significant findings. The first ECG was sinus bradycardia with poor R-wave progression. ECG repeated 6 h later revealed de Winter syndrome. Within minutes, the patient developed sustained pulse ventricular tachycardia requiring synchronized cardioversion. The patient was intubated for impending cardiorespiratory failure. We took the pharmacoinvasive approach. The patient received thrombolytic therapy as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was not available and transferring to the nearest cardiac center was not possible within the therapeutic window. He was then subsequently transferred to the nearest cardiac center post thrombolysis for PCI. We report this case study to highlight the importance of recognizing this STEMI-equivalent ECG pattern in patients presenting with chest pain, and call for randomized control trials to evaluate the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy as an alternative emergent reperfusion strategy in de Winter syndrome in non-cardiac centers.

Prognostic Value of Normal Thyroid Stimulating Hormone in Long-Term Mortality in Patients With STEMI.

BackgroundAlthough within the normal range, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are associated with cardio-metabolic disorders and have an effect on the cardiovascular system. The aim of our study was to assess the prognostic value of normal TSH on long-term mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).MethodsConsecutive STEMI patients who had a TSH level within the normal range (0.55–4.78 μIU/ml) were enrolled from November 2013 to December 2018. Patients were stratified into three groups depending on the tertile of TSH level, and all-cause mortality and cardiac death were compared. TSH concentrations associated with risk of all-cause mortality were evaluated in a continuous scale (restricted cubic splines) and the Cox proportional hazards regression model.ResultsA total of 1,203 patients with STEMI were eligible for analysis. During a median follow-up of 39 months, patients in the 3rd tertile group had higher all-cause mortality (20.1% vs. 12.2% and 14.3%, p = 0.006) and cardiac death (15.4% vs. 7.7% and 12.3%, p = 0.001) as compared to the 1st and 2nd tertile groups. The Cox proportional hazards model showed that TSH was an independent predictor on long-term all-cause mortality (HR: 1.248, 95% CI: 1.046–1.490, p = 0.014). However, subgroup analysis indicated that TSH (HR: 1.313, 95% CI: 1.063–1.623, p = 0.012) was only significantly associated with long-term all-cause mortality in the patients without emergency reperfusion therapy. Restricted cubic spline analyses showed a linear relationship between TSH concentrations and all-cause mortality (P for non-linearity = 0.659).ConclusionsA Higher TSH level - even in a normal range is associated with long-term mortality in patients with STEMI, proposing an additional indication to identify STEMI patients with poor prognosis.

Abstract TP56: Low Cost, Portable Electroencephalograph May Improve The Accuracy Of Prehospital Stroke Diagnosis And Detection Of Large Vessel Occlusion

Accurate and timely prehospital stroke diagnosis and detection of large vessel occlusion (LVO) are essential to ensure stroke patients are transported to hospitals that offer emergent reperfusion therapies. However, symptom based prehospital stroke scales often fail to identify LVO. Thus, a need exists for cost-effective and portable diagnostic tools, such as portable electroencephalography (EEG) to improve the accuracy of prehospital stroke diagnosis. Hypotheses: 1) Quantitative EEG measures will differ between LVO and non-LVO stroke patients, particularly in regards to brain slowing (ratio of low to high frequency oscillatory brain power) and brain asymmetry (ratio between oscillations in the affected and unaffected hemisphere) 2) Combining EEG with prehospital stroke scales will improve the accuracy of LVO detection. We enrolled patients with acute suspected stroke on presentation to an emergency department at a comprehensive stroke centre. Patients were rapidly evaluated with the Los Angeles Motor Scale followed by a 3-minute resting-state EEG recording using a modified Muse EEG headband (InteraXon). The LVO diagnosis and the extent of cerebral blood flow abnormalities were determined from CT angiography and CT perfusion imaging performed in close temporal proximity to the EEG recording. The study enrolled 74 patients (n= 8 LVO, n=66 non-LVO, including stroke mimics). Initial analysis suggests that LVO patients have trends towards brain slowing, as measured by the delta alpha ratio (LVO: mean = 1.21, SEM = 0.03; non-LVO: mean = 1.19, SEM = 0.01; p-value = 0.34). Additionally, LVO patients showed a trend towards increased brain asymmetry from 6-8 Hz, suggesting physiological differences between hemispheres specific to the theta frequency (LVO: mean = 0.02, SEM = 0.006; non-LVO: mean = 0.01, SEM = 0.002; p-value = 0.13). Quantitative measures will be assessed using classification trees to determine which combination of EEG and clinical features is most predictive of LVO. In conclusion, acute differences in brain activity between LVO and non-LVO patients can be detected with portable EEG, which when combined with clinical stroke scales, have the potential to improve the diagnosis and triage of suspected stroke patients in a prehospital setting.

Neurological emergency at the COVID-19 pandemic: report from a referral hospital in Eastern Piedmont, Italy

BackgroundThe pandemic implied dramatic changes in public health assets. In Italy, some Stroke Units were transformed into sub-intensive COVID-19 Units, making the management of neurological patients demanding. We described how the flow of neurological emergencies was affected by the pandemic impact.MethodsWe analyzed accesses to the Emergency Department (ED) of the “Maggiore della Carità” Hospital, Piedmont, Italy, during a period of 8 months (COVID time; March to May 2020 and October 2020 to February 2021) and analyzed the admissions to the Neurology Unit and the underlying diagnosis. We also evaluated potential changes in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in the same period. These variables were compared with two equivalent periods of time (2019–2020; 2018–2019).ResultsDuring the COVID time, there was a clear-cut reduction of the total ED accesses compared to NoCOVID times. However, admissions for acute neurological conditions showed a mild but non-significant decrease (6.3%vs.7.3%). The same applied to acute ischemic stroke, which represented the most common condition (47.7%). The proportion of patients who underwent emergent reperfusion therapies remained unchanged. Furthermore, no difference was found in door-to-needle and door-to-groin intervals between COVID time and NoCOVID times. On the contrary, the onset-to-door interval was significantly longer during the COVID time (p value: 0.001).DiscussionWhile the percentage of admissions following an ED access grew dramatically, those to the Neurology Unit showed overall only a slight non-significant decrease. This finding implicitly reflects the serious and urgent nature of many neurological diseases, compelling people to access EDs at any time.

The Role of ECG in the Diagnosis and Risk Stratification of Acute Coronary Syndromes: an Old but Indispensable Tool.

Since its inception in 1902 by Willem Einthoven, the electrocardiogram (ECG) has fundamentally undergone minimal technological advances. Nevertheless, its clinical utility is critical, and it remains an essential tool to diagnose, risk stratify, and guide reperfusion and invasive strategies in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes. ECG reading can be demanding, with many healthcare professionals lacking the necessary expertise to accurately interpret them. This is exacerbated by the need to constantly revisit old dogmas pertinent to the interpretation of ECGs. Notably, ECG leads record the global electrical activity of the heart toward and away from each electrode rather than local events. The long-held central paradigm that the various ECG leads record local events underneath specific electrodes should therefore be reassessed. For example, ST segment elevation in leads V1 and V2 usually denote antero-apical rather than septal infarction, often a misnomer utilized by the majority of clinicians. The ECG diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is sometimes challenging and discerning it from non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is of paramount importance to implement timely acute reperfusion therapy. In fact, when qualifications for emergency reperfusion therapy are based on STEMI ECG criteria, nearly one-third of cases with acute coronary occlusion are missed. Diagnostic ST elevation in the absence of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy or left bundle-branch block (LBBB) is defined by a specific set of sex-specific criteria for new ST elevation at the J point in contiguous precordial or limb leads. However, other ECG criteria need to be kept in mind. These include, but are not limited to, new or presumably new left bundle branch block (LBBB), which is often considered as an STEMI-equivalent; ST depression in two or more precordial leads (V1-V4), denoting a true inferolateral transmural myocardial infarction; and the infrequent presentation with hyperacute T-wave changes. As our understanding of the pathology of ischemic reperfusion injury has evolved and following the introduction of new imaging modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, we need to re-assess the old dogmas pertinent to the interpretation of ECGs and update the terms and classifications.

De Winter T waves: an ominous sign of ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

A 46-year-old gentleman presented with sudden retrosternal gripping pain. Creatinine Kinase was >6000 units/L. Patient was diagnosed as Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI). The presenting ECG was shared with us (Image A). Our response was, “This is not a NSTEMI. ECG manifests de Winter T Waves. The de Winter complex is an upsloping J-point ST depression (STD) that continues into a tall, positive symmetrical T Wave. Do not be misled by the STD. This is a STEMI without the signature ST-segment elevation (STE). de Winter T Waves is a STEMI equivalent; it signifies acute occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending artery (LADA).” de Winter T Waves was first reported by in 2008. Unfortunately, knowledge of de Winter T Waves is not widespread and it is often misdiagnosed as NSTEMI. Failure to carry out emergent reperfusion will negatively impact morbidity and mortality. ECG in (A) manifests the following features which points to de Winter T Waves: (1) de Winter T Waves occur in a pain state; (2) ST segment showed a 1-3 mm upsloping STD at the J point in precordial leads; this is best exemplified by V4; (3) upsloping STD continues into tall, positive symmetrical T Waves; (2) and (3) are seen in (C) part of image; (4) ST segment elevation (STE) in aVR, V1; (5) loss of anterior R waves (V1 to V4) and (6) reciprocal STD seen in leads II, III, aVF. de Winter T Waves is a unique ECG sign. Do not be deceived by the STDs into diagnosing NSTEMI. It is a STEMI pointing to acute occlusion of the LAD.

From Q/Non-Q Myocardial Infarction to STEMI/NSTEMI: Why It's Time to Consider Another Simplified Dichotomy; a Narrative Literature Review.

Acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) are classified as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) based on the presence of guideline-recommended ST-segment elevation (STE) criteria on the electrocardiogram (ECG). STEMI is associated with acute total coronary occlusion (ATO) and transmural myocardial necrosis and is managed with emergent reperfusion therapy, and NSTEMI is supposedly synonymous with subendocardial myocardial infarction without ATO. However, coronary angiograms reveal that a significant proportion of patients with NSTEMI have ATO. Here, we review articles that studied the frequency and cardiovascular outcomes of ATO in NSTEMI patients compared with those without ATO. We discuss ECG patterns of patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction that do not fulfill STEMI criteria but are associated with ATO. Under-recognition of these atypical patterns results in delays to reperfusion therapy. We also advocate revision of the current STEMI/NSTEMI paradigm because consideration of STE, by itself, out of context of other clinical and ECG features, leads to the ECG diagnosis of STEMI when the ECG actually represents a mimic ["Pseudo-STEMI"],and suggest renaming the ACSs classification as the Occlusion Myocardial Infarction (OMI)/Non-Occlusion Myocardial Infarction (NOMI) paradigm.

Histological analysis of thrombi retrieved after acute ischemic stroke from large vessel occlusion: from research to clinical practice

Emergent reperfusion therapies have improved acute ischemic stroke prognosis, but many patients are still bound to bad clinical outcome, probably because of our incomplete knowledge of its pathophysiology. Thanks to mechanical thrombectomy, occluding material is available for histological analysis. Several studies investigated the possible relationship between thrombus composition and clinical, procedural, and radiological variables of acute ischemic stroke. The potential value of thrombus analysis as a tool for clinical practice and research is still not defined, as data from the literature are heterogeneous and sometimes conflicting. We propose a review of the existing literature regarding histological analysis of thrombi in acute ischemic stroke. We classified articles on clot composition according to the clinical variable explored in each study. We first distinguished articles about etiology, procedural, and radiological variables, and then we performed a subclassification for each group. This review could help both in the interpretation of thrombus analysis in clinical practice and in its usage for future research.

Ischemic ST-Segment Depression Maximal in V1-V4 (Versus V5-V6) of Any Amplitude Is Specific for Occlusion Myocardial Infarction (Versus Nonocclusive Ischemia).

BackgroundOcclusion myocardial infarctions (OMIs) of the posterolateral walls are commonly missed by ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) criteria, with >50% of patients with circumflex occlusion not receiving emergent reperfusion and experiencing increased mortality. ST‐segment depression maximal in leads V1–V4 (STDmaxV1–4) has been suggested as an indicator of posterior OMI.Methods and ResultsWe retrospectively reviewed a high‐risk population with acute coronary syndrome. OMI was defined from prior studies as a culprit lesion with TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) 0 to 2 flow or TIMI 3 flow plus peak troponin T >1.0 ng/mL or troponin I >10 ng/mL. STEMI was defined by the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction. ECGs were interpreted blinded to outcomes. Among 808 patients, there were 265 OMIs, 108 (41%) meeting STEMI criteria. A total of 118 (15%) patients had “suspected ischemic” STDmaxV1–4, of whom 106 (90%) had an acute culprit lesion, 99 (84%) had OMI, and 95 (81%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Suspected ischemic STDmaxV1–4 had 97% specificity and 37% sensitivity for OMI. Of the 99 OMIs detected by STDmaxV1–4, 34% had <1 mm ST‐segment depression, and only 47 (47%) had accompanying STEMI criteria, of which 17 (36%) were identified a median 1.00 hour earlier by STDmaxV1–4 than STEMI criteria. Despite similar infarct size, TIMI flow, and coronary interventions, patients with STEMI(−) OMI and STDmaxV1–4 were less likely than STEMI(+) patients to undergo catheterization within 90 minutes (46% versus 68%; P=0.028).ConclusionsAmong patients with high‐risk acute coronary syndrome, the specificity of ischemic STDmaxV1–4 was 97% for OMI and 96% for OMI requiring emergent percutaneous coronary intervention. STEMI criteria missed half of OMIs detected by STDmaxV1–4. Ischemic STDmaxV1–V4 in acute coronary syndrome should be considered OMI until proven otherwise.

COVID-19 Impact on Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment at 9 Comprehensive Stroke Centers across Los Angeles

Objective: To describe the impact of COVID-19 on acute cerebrovascular disease care across 9 comprehensive stroke centers throughout Los Angeles County (LAC). Methods: Volume of emergency stroke code activations, patient characteristics, stroke severity, reperfusion rates, treatment times, and outcomes from February 1 to April 30, 2020, were compared against the same time period in 2019. Demographic data were provided by each participating institution. Results: There was a 17.3% decrease in stroke code activations across LAC in 2020 compared to 2019 (1,786 vs. 2,159, respectively, χ² goodness of fit test p < 0.0001) across 9 participating comprehensive stroke centers. Patients who did not receive any reperfusion therapy decreased by 16.6% in 2020 (1,527) compared to 2019 (1,832). Patients who received only intravenous thrombolytic (IVT) therapy decreased by 31.8% (107 vs. 157). Patients who received only mechanical thrombectomy (MT) increased by 3% (102 vs. 99). Patients who received both IVT and MT decreased by 31.8% (45 vs. 66). Recanalization treatment times in 2020 were comparable to 2019. CSCs serving a higher proportion of Latinx populations in the eastern parts of LAC experienced a higher incidence of MT in 2020 compared to 2019. Mild increase in stroke severity was seen in 2020 compared to 2019 (8.95 vs. 8.23, p = 0.046). A higher percentage of patients were discharged home in 2020 compared to 2019 (59.5 vs. 56.1%, p = 0.034), a lower percentage of patients were discharged to skilled nursing facility (16.1 vs. 20.7%, p = 0.0004), and a higher percentage of patients expired (8.6 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.008). Conclusion: LAC saw a decrease in overall stroke code activations in 2020 compared to 2019. Reperfusion treatment times remained comparable to prepandemic metrics. There has been an increase in severe stroke incidence and higher volume of thrombectomy treatments in Latinx communities within LAC during the pandemic of 2020. More patients were discharged home, less patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities, and more patients expired in 2020, compared to the same time frame in 2019.

Total occlusion of coronary artery without ST-segment elevation a case series of ‘de Winter’ electrocardiogram pattern

Background: A ‘STEMI equivalent’ electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern describes an acute thrombotic occlusion of a large coronary artery without ST-segment elevation. This pattern must be recognized and treated with emergent reperfusion therapy. De Winter syndrome is a special ECG pattern reflecting acute occlusion in the proximal segment of LAD (left anterior descending) coronary artery and a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) should be performed as early as possible.Case illustration: We present two patients admitted to the emergency department with symptoms of chest pain. Their ECGs revealed de-Winter T waves and then coronary angiography was performed. Total occlusion in the proximal segment of the LAD coronary artery was observed in both patients, and stents were implanted to the culprit lesion. Both ECG patients show an up-sloping ST-segment depression (STD, &gt;1 mm) starting from the J-point, with symmetrical, tall and significant T-waves in the precordial leads. This ECG pattern indicates a LAD coronary artery obstruction. The ‘de Winter’ ECG pattern is not mentioned in the ESC guidelines, but it is essential to recognize this rare ECG pattern as the STEMI equivalent, and it must be treated with prompt revascularization therapy.Conclusion: The ‘de Winter’ ECG pattern, as other ‘STEMI equivalent’, must be recognized promptly and treated as soon as possible with emergent reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention.