Ischemic Electrocardiogram Research Articles

Change in out-of-hospital 12-lead ECG diagnostic classification following resuscitation from cardiac arrest

IntroductionWe evaluated the incidence of change in serial 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) diagnostic classifications in patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital (OH) cardiac arrest (OHCA) comparing OH to emergency department (ED) ECGs. MethodsThis retrospective case series included: 1) adults (≥ 18 years old), 2) resuscitated from OHCA, 3) ≥ 1 OH and 1 ED ECG/patient, and 4) emergency medical services (EMS) transport to the study hospital. OH and ED ECGs were classified as: 1) STEMI (ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction), 2) Ischemic, and 3) Non-ischemic. Two ED physicians and one cardiologist independently classified all ECGs, then generated a consensus opinion classification for each ECG based on American Heart Association’s 2018 Expert Consensus criteria. The most ischemic OH ECG classification was compared with the last ED ECG classification. ResultsFrom 7/27/12 to 7/18/19, 176 patients were entered with a mean age of 61.2 ± 16.6 years; 102/176 (58%) were male. Overall, 504 OH and ED 12-lead ECGs were acquired (2.9 ECGs/patient). ECG classification inter-rater reliability kappa score was 0.63 ± 0.02 (substantial agreement). Overall, 86/176 (49%) changed ECG classification from the OH to ED setting; 69/86 (80%) of these ECGs changed from more to less ischemic classifications. Of 49 OH STEMI ECG classifications, 33/49 (67%) changed to a less ischemic (non-STEMI) ED ECG classification. ConclusionsChange in 12-lead ECG classification from OH to ED setting in patients resuscitated from OHCA was common (49%). The OH STEMI classification changed to a less ischemic (non-STEMI) ED classification in 67% of cases.

Role of Exercise Treadmill Testing in the Assessment of Coronary Microvascular Disease

ObjectivesThe authors aimed to study the sensitivity and specificity of exercise treadmill testing (ETT) in the diagnosis of coronary microvascular disease (CMD), as well as the prognostic implications of ETT results in patients with CMD. BackgroundETT is validated to evaluate for flow-limiting coronary artery disease (CAD), however, little is known about its use for evaluating CMD. MethodsWe retrospectively studied 249 consecutive patients between 2006 and 2016 who underwent ETT and positron emission tomography within 12 months. Patients with obstructive CAD or left ventricular systolic dysfunction were excluded. CMD was defined as a coronary flow reserve <2. Patients were followed for the occurrence of a first major adverse event (composite of death or hospitalization for myocardial infarction or heart failure). ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of a positive ETT to detect CMD were 34.7% (95% CI: 25.4%-45.0%) and 64.9% (95% CI: 56.7%-72.5%), respectively. The specificity of a positive ETT to detect CMD increased to 86.8% (95% CI: 80.3%-91.7%) when only classifying studies with ischemic electrocardiogram changes that lasted at least 1 minute into recovery as positive, although at a cost of lower sensitivity (15.3%; 95% CI: 8.8%-24.0%). Over a median follow-up of 6.9 years (IQR: 5.1-8.2 years), 30 (12.1%) patients met the composite endpoint, including 13 (13.3%) with CMD (n = 98). In patients with CMD, ETT result was not associated with the composite endpoint (P = 0.076). ConclusionsOur data suggest limited sensitivity of ETT to detect CMD. However, a positive ETT with ischemic changes that persist at least 1 minute into recovery in the absence of obstructive CAD should raise suspicion for the presence of CMD given a high specificity. Further study is needed with larger patient sample sizes to assess the association between ETT results and outcomes in patients with CMD.

The Use of Samsung Health and ECG M-Trace Base II Applications for the Assessment of Exercise Tolerance in the Secondary Prevention in Patients after Ischemic Stroke.

Background and objectives: The aim of the study was to use the mobile application Samsung Health for the assessment of parameters of exercise tolerance and the ECG (electrocardiogram) M-Trace Base II for the assessment of cardiological parameters. Materials and Methods: The measurements were conducted during rest and after performing SMWT (Six Minute Walk Test) and SCT (Stair Climb Test) in 26 patients after ischemic stroke (IS) and 26 healthy individuals. Results: In the SMWT, the post-stroke group (SG) walked a shorter distance (p < 0.001), achieving lower mean gait velocity (p < 0.001) and lower maximum gait velocity (p = 0.002). In the SCT, SG achieved a lower mean gait velocity (p < 0.001) and lower maximum gait velocity (p < 0.001) when compared to the control group (CG). In SG, myocardial ischemia in ECG was noted in four patients after SMWT and in three patients following SCT. Both in SG and in CG the increase in SBP (systolic blood pressure) value measured after SMWT and SCT compared to at rest (p < 0.001) was observed. In SG, in the compared ratios rest to SMWT and SCT as well as SMWT to SCT, there was an increase in HR (heart rate) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: ECG M-Trace Base II and Samsung Health are mobile applications that can assess cardiological parameters and exercise tolerance parameters in patients after IS, so they can be used to plan the intensity of exercise in rehabilitation programs.

Prognostic significance of ischaemic electrocardiographic changes during stress testing in patients with normal nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging.

To evaluate cardiovascular outcomes in patients with normal nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging, but ischaemic electrocardiogram changes during pharmacological or exercise stress tests. The retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of patients who underwent either pharmacological or exercise stress myocardial perfusion scan and had a normal scan with ischaemic electrocardiogram changes between January 2013 and December 2014. All cardiac events, including angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, coronary revascularisation and cardiac death, as well as non-cardiac deaths were noted. Data was analysed using STATA 14.2. Of the 2770 patients whose data was initially checked, 296(10.6%) developed ischaemic electrocardiogram changes during the stress test but had normal myocardial perfusion scan. Of them, 181(61%) patients were male, and the overall mean age was 62±15 years. Follow-up data was available for 280(94.5%) of these patients, with a mean follow-up of 48±7 months. Of these patients, 8(2.8%) died, and 1(0.3%) of them died due to inferior wall myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction was found in 2(0.7%) patients, and 1(0.3%) patient was hospitalised with heart failure. Also, 12(4.3%) patients underwent revascularization for stable angina, 9(3.2%) underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and 3(1.07%) needed coronary artery bypass grafting. Ischaemic electrocardiographic changes during stress testing in patients with normal myocardial perfusion scan were not associated with adverse outcomes, and the risk of cardiovascular events was relatively low for an intermediate follow-up period.

Neonatal Myocarditis: A Review

Neonatal myocarditis is a rare and life-threatening disease with clinical symptoms suggesting bacterial sepsis, accompanied by congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock and arrhythmias. Enteroviruses and adenoviruses are the most frequent pathogens isolated in myocarditis in neonate. Due to extensive myocyte necrosis in the left ventricle, symptoms may mimic myocardial infarction and circulatory collapse. The diagnosis is suggested by an ischaemic electrocardiogram, raised cardiac enzymes and left ventricular dysfunction. These infants are best managed by early recognition of heart failure, avoidance of hypotension and transfer to an ECMO center. No specific antiviral treatment exists for neonatal myocarditis. Even in the presence of sufficient respiratory and circulatory support, the mortality among neonates with viral myocarditis is high. Majority of survivors develop serious cardiac sequelae. Since neonatal myocarditis is a devastating disease and is not often in the differential diagnosis of neonatal collapse, clinicians should keep a high index of suspicion.&#x0D; DS (Child) H J 2019; 35(1) : 70-73

A study on the clinical profile and risk factors of ischemic heart disease in women

Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the principle causes of morbidity and of mortality in women1. Ischemic heart disease may manifest clinically as either chronic stable angina or acute coronary syndrome2 (ACS). Traditional risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, etc.) contribute to the development of IHD in both women and men. Some risk factors are unique to women (e.g., pregnancy-related complications, menopause), which cause increased mortality in women Aim: To study the risk factors and clinical profile of ischemic heart disease in women. Materials And Methods: Hospital-based prospective, cross-sectional study done in 50 patients with ischemic heart disease. Patients with a history of Chest pain suggestive of ischemic heart diseases and Electrocardiogram and cardiac biomarkers suggestive of ischemic heart disease were included in the study. Results: Maximum incidence of ischemic heart diseases is seen in the 6th decade. Mean age is 58.92 + 2.8years. 64%of the patients presented with chest pain, and 36% patients presented without any chest pain. After chest pain, the most common symptom was palpitations, seen in 56% patients, followed by sweating (44%). 30% presented to the medical facility within 3hours. 88% were diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome, and 12% were diagnosed with chronic stable angina. Women specific risk factors include the pregnancy-related complications seen in 10% patients, menopause attained in 86% patients, PCOS seen in 08% patients, use of oral contraceptive pills noticed in 08% patients, Other risk factors identified were hypothyroidism in 16% patients, connective tissue disorders like rheumatoid arthritis seen in 12% of the patients. Conclusion: Awareness regarding atypical symptoms as well as other symptoms of IHD should be created among women to avoid delayed complications. Simple lifestyle modifications like physical activity, diet modifications, etc., will reduce the number of women at risk for IHD.

Cardiovascular health in early adulthood predicts the development of coronary heart disease in individuals with type 1 diabetes: 25year follow-up from the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications study.

Type 1 diabetes increases CHD risk. We examined the use of the American Heart Association's cardiovascular health metrics (blood pressure, total cholesterol, glucose/HbA1c, BMI, physical activity, diet, smoking) to predict incidence of CHD among individuals with type 1 diabetes, with the hypothesis that a better American Heart Association health metric profile would be associated with lower incident CHD. Prevalence of the seven cardiovascular health metrics was determined using first and second visits from adult participants (mean age 28.6years) in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications prospective cohort study of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. An ideal metric score (0-7) was defined as the sum of all metrics within the ideal range, and a total metric score (0-14) was calculated based on poor, intermediate and ideal categories for each metric. Incident CHD development (medical record-confirmed CHD death, myocardial infarction, revascularisation, ischaemic electrocardiogram changes or Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications physician-determined angina) over 25years of follow-up was examined by metric scores. Among 435 participants, BMI, blood pressure, total cholesterol and smoking demonstrated the highest prevalence within the ideal range, while diet and HbA1c demonstrated the lowest. During 25years of follow-up, 177 participants developed CHD. In Cox models, each additional metric within the ideal range was associated with a 19% lower risk (p = 0.01), and each unit increase in total metric score was associated with a 17% lower risk (p < 0.01) of CHD, adjusting for diabetes duration, estimated glomerular filtration rate, albumin excretion rate, triacylglycerols, depression and white blood cell count. Among individuals with type 1 diabetes, higher cardiovascular health metric scores were associated with lower risk of incident CHD. The American Heart Association-defined cardiovascular health metrics provide straightforward goals for health promotion that may reduce CHD risk in the type 1 diabetes population. Graphical abstract.

Myocardial injury in patients with sickle cell anaemia and myocardial ischaemia in Calabar, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Background In children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA), ischaemic electrocardiogram (ECG) changes occur during both vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) and the steady state. Myocardial ischaemia evidenced by an ischaemic pattern on ECG may lead to myocardial injury which is evidenced by elevated serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT). Occasionally, the myocardial injury is fatal. Aim To determine the relationship between raised serum cTnT levels and an ischaemic ECG pattern in children with SCA. Methods This was a dual study design comprising a prospective cohort study of a group of children with SCA observed during VOC and 6 weeks later during follow-up steady state, and a case–control study of SCA children and apparently healthy children. The subjects were 34 SCA children aged 5–17 years and 34 age- and sex-matched apparently healthy controls with haemoglobin genotype AA attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. VOC was diagnosed by clinical examination and a history of bone pain. During VOC and follow-up steady state, an ECG was performed and blood taken for serum cTnT estimation. In the apparently healthy children, only serum cTnT was estimated. Serum cTnT was analysed by electrochemiluminescence immune-assay. Ischaemic ECG was assessed using the World Heart Federation criteria. Results Twenty-eight (82.4%) SCA children had elevated serum cTnT during VOC and it was elevated in only six (17.6%) of them during the steady state. An ischaemic ECG was observed in 25 (73.5%) and 20 (58.8%) of them during VOC and the steady state, respectively. Ischaemic ECG identified SCA children with elevated cTnT during VOC (sensitivity 75%, specificity 33.3%) and the follow-up steady state (sensitivity 50%, specificity 39.3%). Measures of agreement between ECG and cTnT in detecting myocardial injury were poor during VOC (κ 0.07, p = 0.68) and the follow-up steady state (κ − 0.06, p = 0.63). Conclusions Most SCA children have an ischaemic ECG with elevated serum cTnT, especially during VOC, which suggests ischaemic-induced cardiac injury. However, elevated serum cTnT can occur without an ischaemic ECG and vice versa. Performing only electrocardiography or cTnT to detect ischaemia-induced cardiac injury may be misleading. Therefore, when there is a high index of suspicion, both tests should be undertaken, especially during VOC, to ensure prompt, effective treatment. Abbreviations AHC, apparently healthy children; AUC, area under the ROC curve; BMI, body mass index; cTnT, cardiac troponin T; ECG, electrocardiogram; EDTA, ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid; GFR, glomerular filtration rate; HbS, haemoglobin S; HLA, human leucocyte antigen; LVH, left ventricular hypertrophy; ROC, receiver operating characteristic; SCA, sickle cell anaemia; UCTH, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital; URL, upper reference limit; USFDA, United States Food and Drug Administration; USNIH, United States National Institutes of Health; VOC, vaso-occlusive painful crisis; WHF, World Heart Federation;

60-day major adverse cardiac events in emergency department patients with non-low modified HEART scores.

A low (0-3) History, Electrocardiogram, Age, Risk factors and Troponin (HEART) score reliably identifies ED chest pain patients who are low risk for near-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE). To optimize sensitivity, many clinicians employ a modified HEART score by repeating troponin measurements and excluding patients with abnormal troponin values or ischemic electrocardiograms (ECGs). The residual MACE risk among patients with otherwise non-low (≥4) modified HEART scores is thus likely much lower than with non-low original HEART scores. To explore residual 60-day MACE risks among patients with non-low modified HEART scores. Secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort of ED patients presenting with chest pain to an integrated healthcare system between 2013 and 2015. Patients with serial troponin measurements within 6h of ED arrival were considered for inclusion. Exclusions included an ischemic ECG, troponin values above the 99th percentile or a lack of continuous health plan coverage through the 60-day follow-up period. MACE was defined as a composite of myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock or death. There were 22,976 study eligible patients encounters, 13,521 (59%) of which had non-low (≥4) modified HEART scores. The observed 60-day MACE risk among non-low HEART score patients was 2.0% (95% CI 1.8-2.3). When including all coronary revascularizations (MACE-R), the risk was 4.4% (95% CI 4.1-4.4). Risk of near-term MACE among patients with non-low modified HEART scores (excluding those with abnormal troponin or ischemic ECGs) appears to be much lower than in the original HEART score validation studies.

Comparison of two strategies in a chest pain unit: stress echocardiography and multidetector computed tomography

Introduction and objectivesThis study aimed to compare stress echocardiography (SE) and multidetector computed tomography (MCT) in patients admitted to a chest pain unit to detect acute coronary syndrome (ACS). MethodsA total of 203 patients with ≥ 1 cardiovascular risk factor, no ischemic electrocardiogram changes and negative biomarkers were randomized to SE (n=103) or MTC (n=100). The primary endpoint was a combination of hard events (death and nonfatal myocardial infarction), revascularizations, and readmissions during follow-up. The secondary endpoint was the cost of the 2 strategies. ResultsInvasive angiography was performed in 61 patients (34 [33%] in the SE group and in 27 [27%] in the MCT group, P=.15). A final diagnosis of ACS was made in 53 patients (88% vs 85%, P=.35). There were no significant differences between groups in the primary endpoint (42% vs 41%, P=.91), or in hard events (5% vs 7%, P=.42). There were no significant differences in overall cost, but costs were lower in patients with negative SE than in those with negative MCT (€557 vs €706, P <.02). ConclusionsNo significant differences were found in efficacy and safety for the stratification of patients with a low to moderate probability of ACS admitted to a chest pain unit. The cost of the 2 strategies was similar, but cost was significantly lower for SE on comparison of negative studies.

Rescue Echocardiography/Ultrasonography in the Management of Combined Cardiac Surgical and Medical Patients in a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Rescue point-of-care ultrasound (r-POCUS) in critical care medicine has revolutionized the management of critically ill patients with hemodynamic instability. However, clinical studies on its use among high-risk cardiac patients still are limited. The authors aimed to assess the utility of r-POCUS for managing high-risk cardiac patients in a mixed cardiac-surgical and cardiac-medical intensive care unit (ICU) in a quaternary care hospital by reviewing the indications and findings of r-POCUS and subsequent effect on patient management. Retrospective observational study. Single institution, quaternary care hospital. The study comprised 189 consecutive r-POCUS examinations performed in a cardiac medical and surgical ICU. None. r-POCUS was performed on 141 patients. Common indications for r-POCUS included hypotension (n = 93 [49%]), assessment of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and ventricular assist devices (n = 33 [17%]), arrhythmias (n = 13 [7%]), abnormal pulmonary artery catheter values (n = 11 [6%]), and ischemic electrocardiogram changes (n = 10 [5%]). Cardiac pathology was positive in 129 (68%) of the rescue examinations. Common reported pathologies included left ventricular dysfunction (n = 47 [25%]), right ventricular dysfunction (n = 52 [28%]), hypervolemia (n = 13 [7%]), hypovolemia (n = 25 [13%]), pericardial effusion/tamponade (n = 21 [11%]), and ECMO/ventricular assist device cannula malposition (n = 9 [5%]). Seventy-five percent of the rescue examinations resulted in medical and surgical interventions, including fluid resuscitation (n = 25 [13%]), diuresis (n = 14 [7%]), ionotropic support (n = 23 [12%]), surgical intervention in the operating room (n = 21 [11%]), surgical intervention at the bedside (n = 8 [4%]), ECMO initiation (n = 15 [8%]), and ECMO/ventricular assist device cannula/setting adjustment (n = 12 [6%]). In this retrospective study, r-POCUS performed by attending intensivists resulted in diverse findings and was associated with rapid changes in clinical management of patients in a high-acuity, mixed cardiac-surgical and cardiac-medical ICU.

Comparación de dos estrategias en la unidad de dolor torácico: ecocardiograma de estrés y tomografía computarizada con multidetectores

Introduction and objectivesThis study aimed to compare stress echocardiography (SE) and multidetector computed tomography (MCT) in patients admitted to a chest pain unit to detect acute coronary syndrome (ACS). MethodsA total of 203 patients with ≥ 1 cardiovascular risk factor, no ischemic electrocardiogram changes and negative biomarkers were randomized to SE (n=103) or MTC (n=100). The primary endpoint was a combination of hard events (death and nonfatal myocardial infarction), revascularizations, and readmissions during follow-up. The secondary endpoint was the cost of the 2 strategies. ResultsInvasive angiography was performed in 61 patients (34 [33%] in the SE group and in 27 [27%] in the MCT group, P=.15). A final diagnosis of ACS was made in 53 patients (88% vs 85%, P=.35). There were no significant differences between groups in the primary endpoint (42% vs 41%, P=.91), or in hard events (5% vs 7%, P=.42). There were no significant differences in overall cost, but costs were lower in patients with negative SE than in those with negative MCT (€557 vs €706, P <.02). ConclusionsNo significant differences were found in efficacy and safety for the stratification of patients with a low to moderate probability of ACS admitted to a chest pain unit. The cost of the 2 strategies was similar, but cost was significantly lower for SE on comparison of negative studies.

In Response.

We thank Weenink et al1 for their comments about our Open Mind article.2 We agree with their remarks and conclusion that it should be avoided that patients are exposed to 1.0 inspiratory oxygen fraction (Fio2) during anesthesia. While Weenink et al1 refers to the quantity of Fio2 in the intraoperative phase, our article and the statements made in it exclusively focused on the extubation period, which we felt is not covered in the literature so far. Clearly, improving oxygen therapy in acute-illness (IOTA) meta-analysis does not cover exactly the perioperative patient population. However, at least in tertiary (university) hospitals, a substantial number of patients during anesthesia are critically ill (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] physical status ≥4) and are thus likely to resemble the IOTA population. We are convinced that focusing on evidence gathered (only) in surgical patients—as suggested by Weenink et al1—is not suitable to generate high-quality information about the effects of hyperoxia. Negative effects of hyperoxia rarely occur in healthy myocardium but in predamaged tissue—preferably in connection with coronary artery disease—as shown by our group.3 Likewise, the way oxygen is delivered to the patient could play a role in the assessment of hyperoxia and its effects. We cautiously expressed this fact2 in connection with the study of de Jonge3: while in their meta-analysis perioperative hyperoxia applied via tracheal intubation showed a positive effect on surgical site infections (SSI), in anesthetized patients with spontaneous ventilation, no such effect was seen, underlining a lack of convincing beneficial effect. We read with great interest the study of hemodiluted pigs—mentioned by Weenink et al1—where ischemic electrocardiogram (ECG) changes recover after administration of 1.0 Fio2. Our explanation is that a healthy pig with hemodilution has another reaction when exposed to high oxygen concentrations (eg, via a higher flow reserve) than a pig with stenotic coronary arteries, as demonstrated in the study by Guensch et al.4 There might be a considerable variation in response to hyperoxia, as another study with hemodiluted pigs showed improved intestinal tissue oxygenation but no improvement in portal venous base excess and lactate levels with high Fio2. While absence of harm of high perioperative Fio2 in the study of Mattishent is an important finding, other investigators as Staehr-Rye et al5 found increased respiratory complications with higher oxygen levels. Even in the absence of harm, we do believe that our interventions should be guided by clear indication and not by the absence of contraindication. The indication for perioperative oxygen therapy is prevention of hypoxia. If oxygen proves effective against SSIs, this indication has to be extended. However, available data are conflicting yet—the meta-analysis of de Jonge3 shows benefit, while a Cochrane systematic review of Wetterslev et al6 does not show benefit. What to believe now? Above considerations and the strong precautions against high oxygen levels in emergency medicine lead us to our opinion that, rather than producing ubiquitous hyperoxia, perioperative oxygen therapy needs to be tailored to the individual patient’s need. Daniel Gerber, MDDominik P. Guensch, MDGabor Erdoes, MD, PhDDepartment of Anesthesiology and Pain MedicineInselspital, Bern University HospitalUniversity of BernBern, Switzerland[email protected]

Randomised Controlled Trial of&amp;nbsp; Early CT Coronary Angiography in Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: Rapid identification of coronary heart disease may improve clinical outcomes in patients presenting with acute chest pain. We aimed to establish whether early CT coronary angiography in intermediate-risk patients presenting to the Emergency Department with acute chest pain could improve one-year clinical outcomes. Methods: In a prospective randomised open blinded-endpoint parallel-group clinical trial, adults with suspected acute coronary syndrome and prior coronary heart disease, elevated cardiac troponin or ischaemic electrocardiogram, were randomised 1:1 to early CT coronary angiography plus standard of care or standard of care alone in 37 UK hospitals. The primary endpoint was one-year all-cause death or subsequent type 1 or 4b myocardial infarction. Findings: Between 23rd March 2015 and 27th June 2019, 1748 participants (mean age 62 (SD 13) years, 64% male, mean GRACE score 115 (SD 35)) were randomised to early CT coronary angiography (n=877) or to standard of care alone (n=871). The primary endpoint occurred in 51 (5·8%) participants randomised to CT coronary angiography and 53 (6·1%) participants with standard of care (adjusted hazard ratio 0·91 (95% confidence interval, 0·62 to 1·35), P=0·65). CT coronary angiography was associated with reduced invasive coronary angiography (adjusted hazard ratio 0·81 (95% confidence interval, 0·72 to 0·92), P=0·001) but no change in coronary revascularisation or preventative therapies. Early CT coronary angiography was associated with longer hospitalisations (median increase 0·21 (95% confidence interval 0·05 to 0·40) days) and higher costs (£561 more per patient). Interpretation: In patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome, CT coronary angiography did not alter overall coronary therapeutic interventions or one-year clinical outcomes but increased length of hospital stay and healthcare costs. These findings do not support the routine use of early CT coronary angiography in intermediate-risk patients with acute chest pain. Trial Registration: ISRCTN19102565 and NCT02284191. Funding Statement: National Institute for Health Research HTA Programme (13/04/108). Declaration of Interests: SG was deputy director of the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme and chairs the NIHR HTA commissioning committee. NC reports Unrestricted research grants from HeartFlow, Boston Scientific, Haemonetics, Beckmann Coulter Speaker fees and Consultancy from HeartFlow, Boston Scientific, Abbott, Haemonetics Travel sponsorship from Haemonetics, Boston Scientific, HeartFlow, Biosensors, Edwards, Medtronic. DEN reports grant support from Siemens. All other authors report no conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: The trial was approved by the South East Scotland Research Ethics Committee 01.

Acute Clinical and Procedural Outcome of Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center Acute Coronary Syndrome Registry

Introduction: Most fatal presentation of coronary artery disease (CAD) has been related to acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and we as a referral center in the country decide to launch a registry of patients with ACS to monitor the way they are managed and the way they are treated. Materials and Methods: Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center ACS registry (RHC-ACS registry) launched on December 2015 with enrolling all ACS patients referred or presented to the center. All patients' demographic variables, presenting symptoms, known risk factors, past medical history, past CAD records, serial ischemic electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, presenting echocardiographic data (such as left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], valvular abnormality, and mechanical complication of myocardial infarction [MI]), laboratory assessment (biochemistry, complete blood count, cardiac markers, and inflammatory indicators), and their angiographic and angioplasty data were recorded. Results: Recordings showed in the RHC-ACS registry, most patients were men (73.2%), with mean age of 59.16 ± 11.64 years, hypertension were the most known cardiac risk factor. Most patients were non-ST elevation MI patients (43.2%), 32.8% were in premature CAD group, and typical retrosternal chest pain were complained in 83.5% of our registry population. Most patients had no new ECG changes (51.7%) and from whom with new ECG changes, anterior territory ECG changes were the most common pattern (28.2%). LVEF was reported 30% or less in 171 (16.6%) of patients. Angiographic findings revealed femoral access was most common access (63.9%), most involved vessel was left anterior descending with 49.3% of the patients, percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 48% of patients with drug-eluting stent implantation in 99.3% of these patients, dissection was the most angiographic-related complication in our registry (1%), and in-hospital death was reported in six patients (0.5%). Conclusion: RHC-ACS registry as a real-world middle-east running ACS registry would help cardiologists justify their revascularization strategy in ACS patients and would have a promising impact in future multi-center studies.

Pseudo-Wellens syndrome, acute pancreatitis, and an anomalous coronary artery: a case report

BackgroundChest pain associated with transient electrocardiogram changes mimicking an acute myocardial infarction have been described in acute pancreatitis. These ischemic electrocardiogram changes can present a diagnostic dilemma, especially when patients present with concurrent angina pectoris and epigastric pain warranting noninvasive or invasive imaging studies.Case presentationA 45-year-old African-American man with a history of alcohol use disorder presented to the emergency department of our institution with 36 hours of concurrent epigastric pain and left-sided chest pain radiating to his left arm and associated with nausea and dyspnea. On physical examination, he was afebrile; his blood pressure was elevated; and he had epigastric tenderness. His laboratory test results were significant for hypokalemia, normal troponin, and elevated serum lipase and amylase levels. Serial electrocardiograms for persistent chest pain showed ST-segment elevations with dynamic T-wave changes in the right precordial electrocardiogram leads, consistent with Wellens syndrome. He was immediately taken to the cardiac catheterization laboratory, where selective coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries with an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the opposite sinus. Given his elevated lipase and amylase levels, the patient was treated for acute alcohol-induced pancreatitis with intravenous fluids and pain control. His chest pain and ischemic electrocardiogram changes resolved within 24 hours of admission, and coronary computed tomography angiography showed an interarterial course of the right coronary artery without high-risk features.ConclusionsClinicians may consider deferring immediate cardiac catheterization and attribute electrocardiogram changes to acute pancreatitis in patients presenting with angina pectoris and acute pancreatitis if confirmed by normal cardiac enzymes and elevated levels of lipase and amylase. However, when clinical signs and electrocardiogram findings are highly suggestive of myocardial ischemia/injury, immediate noninvasive coronary computed tomography angiography may be the best approach to make an early diagnosis.

Electrocardiographic Evidence of Cardiac Disease by Sex and HIV Serostatus in Mbarara, Uganda

Highlights In this study of middle-aged adults in rural Uganda, we found no difference in the prevalence of abnormal or ischemic electrocardiograms between persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on stable antiretroviral therapy and HIV-negative comparators. Women were more than twice as likely than men to have evidence of myocardial ischemia on electrocardiography, independent of HIV serostatus. This difference persisted after adjustment. Additional research is warranted to better evaluate sex-based differences in cardiovascular risk and to further characterize the contributions of HIV cardiovascular disease in this population.

78-Year-Old Woman With Intermittent Chest Pain and Palpitations

78-Year-Old Woman With Intermittent Chest Pain and Palpitations

97 Ten-Year Retrospective Review Investigating Ischemic Electrocardiogram Changes in Patients With the Diagnosis of Acute Aortic Dissection in the Emergency Department

To identify new ischemic changes on electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with undiagnosed acute aortic dissections (AAD) as a potential screening tool for risk stratifying patients with this rare but often fatal diagnosis.

ASSOCIATION OF HYPERTENSION AND ISCHAEMIC ECG CHANGES IN TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders to the current generation. It usually leads to multi-systemic complications such as cardiovascular diseases, proteinuria, micro albuminuria, retinopathy, hypertension, ischaemic changes and chronic kidney disease. These complications increase the morbidity and mortality of patients. The prolonged hyperglycemia leads to vascular damage. It causes insufficient blood flow to the cardiac muscles which may cause myocardial or cardiac ischaemia. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of hypertension and ischaemic ECG changes in T2DM patients attending Kathmandu Medical College.&#x0D; Methods: Total 360 type 2 diabetic patients were included. Blood pressure was measured and electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded by 12 leads ECG. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16. P&lt;0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the patients was 66.88 ± 1.52 years, age ranging from 40 – 95 years. In this study 168 patients (46.66%) had systolic hypertension, 204 patients (56.67%) had diastolic hypertension and 126 (35%) had both systolic and diastolic hypertension. About 103 (28.61%) showed ECG changes in hypertensive patients. Only 4 (1.11%) non- hypertensive had ECG changes. This study showed statistically significant relation of hypertension and ischemic ECG changes in type 2 diabetes mellitus cases with p- value 0.03.&#x0D; Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of hypertension among T2DM patients. In these patients, there is a statistically significant association between hypertension and ischaemic ECG changes.