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{{main|Electrocardiogram}}
==Overview==
A primary purpose of the [[electrocardiogram]] is to detect [[ischemia]] or acute coronary injury in broad, symptomatic [[emergency department]] populations. [[The 12 lead ECG]] is used to classify patients into one of three groups:
*Those with ST segment elevation or new bundle branch block (suspicious for acute injury and a possible candidate for acute reperfusion therapy with [[thrombolysis|thrombolytics]] or primary [[percutaneous coronary intervention|PCI]]),
*Those with ST segment depression or T wave inversion (suspicious for ischemia), and
*Those with a so-called non-diagnostic or normal ECG.<ref name="ECC_2005_ACS">"2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care - Part 8: Stabilization of the Patient With Acute Coronary Syndromes." ''Circulation'' 2005; '''112''': IV-89 - IV-110.</ref>
A normal ECG does not rule out the presence of acute myocardial infarction. Sometimes the earliest presentation of acute myocardial infarction is instead the hyperacute [[T wave]].<ref name=Hyperacute2002>Somers MP, Brady WJ, Perron AD, Mattu A. "The prominent T wave: electrocardiographic differential diagnosis." ''Am J Emerg Med'' 2002; '''20'''(3): 243-51. PMID 11992348</ref> In clinical practice, hyperacute T waves are rarely seen, because they exists for only 2-30 minutes after the onset of infarction.<ref name="ACS_Clin_NA">Smith SW, Whitwam W. "Acute Coronary Syndromes." ''Emerg Med Clin N Am'' 2006; '''24(1)''': 53-89. PMID 16308113</ref> Hyperacute T waves need to be distinguished from the peaked T waves associated with [[hyperkalemia]].<ref name="ECG_Noncardiac">"The clinical value of the ECG in noncardiac conditions." ''Chest'' 2004; '''125(4)''': 1561-76. PMID 15078775</ref>


A primary purpose of the [[electrocardiogram]] is to detect [[ischemia]] or acute coronary injury in broad, symptomatic [[emergency department]] populations. [[The 12 lead ECG]] is used to classify patients into one of three groups:
==Definition of ST Elevation==
:1. those with ST segment elevation or new bundle branch block (suspicious for acute injury and a possible candidate for acute reperfusion therapy with [[thrombolysis|thrombolytics]] or primary [[percutaneous coronary intervention|PCI]]),
The current guidelines for the ECG diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction require at least 1 mm (0.1 mV) of ST segment elevation in 2 or more anatomically contiguous leads.<ref name="ECC_2005_ACS"/> This criterion is problematic, however, as acute myocardial infarction is not the most common cause of ST segment elevation in [[chest pain]] patients.<ref name="Cause_ST_ED">Brady WJ, Perron AD, Martin ML, Beagle C, Aufderheide TP. "Cause of ST segment abnormality in ED chest pain patients." ''Am J Emerg Med'' 2001; '''19(1)''': 25-8. PMID 11146012</ref> In addition, over 90% of healthy men have at least 1 mm (0.1 mV) of ST segment elevation in at least one precordial lead.<ref name="ST_Other_MI">Wang K, Asinger RW, Marriott HJ. "ST-segment elevation in conditions other than acute myocardial infarction." ''New Engl J Med'' 2003; '''349(22)''': 2128-35. PMID 14645641</ref> The clinician must therefore be well versed in recognizing the so-called ECG mimics of acute myocardial infarction, which include [[left ventricular hypertrophy]], [[left bundle branch block]], [[artificial pacemaker|paced rhythm]], benign [[early repolarization]], [[pericarditis]], [[hyperkalemia]], and ventricular aneurysm.<ref name="ECG_Confound">Brady WJ, Chan TC, Pollack M. "Electrocardiographic manifestations: patterns that confound the EKG diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction-left bundle branch block, ventricular paced rhythm, and left ventricular hypertrophy." ''J Emerg Med'' 2000; '''18(1)''': 71-8. PMID 10645842</ref><ref name="STE_AMI_non-AMI">"Electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation: correct identification of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and non-AMI syndromes by emergency physicians." ''Acad Emerg Med'' 2001; '''8(4)''': 349-60. PMID 11282670</ref><ref name="ST_Other_MI">"ST-segment elevation in conditions other than acute myocardial infarction." ''New Engl J Med'' 2003; '''349(22)''': 2128-35. PMID 14645641</ref>
:2. those with ST segment depression or T wave inversion (suspicious for ischemia), and
:3. those with a so-called non-diagnostic or normal ECG.<ref name="ECC_2005_ACS">"2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care - Part 8: Stabilization of the Patient With Acute Coronary Syndromes." ''Circulation'' 2005; '''112''': IV-89 - IV-110.</ref>
A normal ECG does not rule out acute myocardial infarction. Sometimes the earliest presentation of acute myocardial infarction is the hyperacute T wave, which is treated the same as ST segment elevation.<ref name=Hyperacute2002>Somers MP, Brady WJ, Perron AD, Mattu A. "The prominent T wave: electrocardiographic differential diagnosis." ''Am J Emerg Med'' 2002; '''20'''(3): 243-51. PMID 11992348</ref> In practice this is rarely seen, because it only exists for 2-30 minutes after the onset of infarction.<ref name="ACS_Clin_NA">Smith SW, Whitwam W. "Acute Coronary Syndromes." ''Emerg Med Clin N Am'' 2006; '''24(1)''': 53-89. PMID 16308113</ref> Hyperacute T waves need to be distinguished from the peaked T waves associated with [[hyperkalemia]].<ref name="ECG_Noncardiac">"The clinical value of the ECG in noncardiac conditions." ''Chest'' 2004; '''125(4)''': 1561-76. PMID 15078775</ref> The current guidelines for the ECG diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction require at least 1 mm (0.1 mV) of ST segment elevation in 2 or more anatomically contiguous leads.<ref name="ECC_2005_ACS"/> This criterion is problematic, however, as acute myocardial infarction is not the most common cause of ST segment elevation in [[chest pain]] patients.<ref name="Cause_ST_ED">Brady WJ, Perron AD, Martin ML, Beagle C, Aufderheide TP. "Cause of ST segment abnormality in ED chest pain patients." ''Am J Emerg Med'' 2001; '''19(1)''': 25-8. PMID 11146012</ref> In addition, over 90% of healthy men have at least 1 mm (0.1 mV) of ST segment elevation in at least one precordial lead.<ref name="ST_Other_MI">Wang K, Asinger RW, Marriott HJ. "ST-segment elevation in conditions other than acute myocardial infarction." ''New Engl J Med'' 2003; '''349(22)''': 2128-35. PMID 14645641</ref> The clinician must therefore be well versed in recognizing the so-called ECG mimics of acute myocardial infarction, which include [[left ventricular hypertrophy]], [[left bundle branch block]], [[artificial pacemaker|paced rhythm]], benign early repolarization, [[pericarditis]], [[hyperkalemia]], and ventricular aneurysm.<ref name="ECG_Confound">Brady WJ, Chan TC, Pollack M. "Electrocardiographic manifestations: patterns that confound the EKG diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction-left bundle branch block, ventricular paced rhythm, and left ventricular hypertrophy." ''J Emerg Med'' 2000; '''18(1)''': 71-8. PMID 10645842</ref><ref name="STE_AMI_non-AMI">"Electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation: correct identification of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and non-AMI syndromes by emergency physicians." ''Acad Emerg Med'' 2001; '''8(4)''': 349-60. PMID 11282670</ref><ref name="ST_Other_MI">"ST-segment elevation in conditions other than acute myocardial infarction." ''New Engl J Med'' 2003; '''349(22)''': 2128-35. PMID 14645641</ref>


[[Left bundle branch block]] and [[artificial pacemaker|pacing]] can interfere with the electrocardiographic diagnosis of acute myocadial infarction. The GUSTO investigators Sgarbossa et al. developed a set of criteria for identifying acute myocardial infarction in the presence of left bundle branch block and paced rhythm. They include concordant ST segment elevation > 1 mm (0.1 mV), discordant ST segment elevation > 5 mm (0.5 mV), and concordant ST segment depression in the left precordial leads.<ref name="NEJM_Sgarbossa">Sgarbossa EB, Pinski SL, Barbagelata A, Underwood DA, Gates KB, Topol EJ, Califf RM, Wagner GS. "Electrocardiographic diagnosis of evolving acute myocardial infarction in the presence of left bundle branch block." ''N Engl J Med'' 1996; '''334''' (8): 481-7. PMID 8559200</ref> The presence of reciprocal changes on the 12 lead ECG may help distinguish true acute myocardial infarction from the mimics of acute myocardial infarction. The contour of the ST segment may also be helpful, with a straight or upwardly convex (non-concave) ST segment favoring the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.<ref name="Contour_ST">"Electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation: the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction by morphologic analysis of the ST segment." ''Acad Emerg Med'' 2001; '''8(10)''': 961-7. PMID 11581081</ref>
[[Left bundle branch block]] and [[artificial pacemaker|pacing]] can interfere with the electrocardiographic diagnosis of acute myocadial infarction. The GUSTO investigators Sgarbossa et al. developed a set of criteria for identifying acute myocardial infarction in the presence of left bundle branch block and paced rhythm. They include concordant ST segment elevation > 1 mm (0.1 mV), discordant ST segment elevation > 5 mm (0.5 mV), and concordant ST segment depression in the left precordial leads.<ref name="NEJM_Sgarbossa">Sgarbossa EB, Pinski SL, Barbagelata A, Underwood DA, Gates KB, Topol EJ, Califf RM, Wagner GS. "Electrocardiographic diagnosis of evolving acute myocardial infarction in the presence of left bundle branch block." ''N Engl J Med'' 1996; '''334''' (8): 481-7. PMID 8559200</ref> The presence of reciprocal changes on the 12 lead ECG may help distinguish true acute myocardial infarction from the mimics of acute myocardial infarction. The contour of the ST segment may also be helpful, with a straight or upwardly convex (non-concave) ST segment favoring the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.<ref name="Contour_ST">"Electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation: the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction by morphologic analysis of the ST segment." ''Acad Emerg Med'' 2001; '''8(10)''': 961-7. PMID 11581081</ref>
==ST Segment Elevation Does Not Always Signify a Myocardial Infarction==
ST segment elevation should alert the clinician to the possibility of myocardial injury, however, there are a [[ST elevation myocardial infarction electrocardiogram|variety of conditions that cause ST segment elevation]] which are not associated with myonecrosis.


==Differential Diagnosis of Causes of ST Segment Elevation in the Absence of Myonecrosis==
==Differential Diagnosis of Causes of ST Segment Elevation in the Absence of Myonecrosis==
'''ST Segment Elevation Does Not Always Signify a Myocardial Infarction.''' ST segment elevation should alert the clinician to the possibility of myocardial injury, however, there are a [[ST elevation myocardial infarction electrocardiogram|variety of conditions that cause ST segment elevation]] which are not associated with myonecrosis.
Acute epicardial artery occlusion by [[thrombus]] is certainly one cause of ST segment elevation, but other causes of ST segment elevation which are not associated with myonecrosis include the following: (listed in alphabetical order) <ref>Wang K, Asinger RW, Marriott HJ. ST-segment elevation in conditions other than acute myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med. 2003 Nov 27; 349 (22): 2128-35. Review. PMID 14645641</ref> <ref>Ako J, Honda Y, Fitzgerald PJ. Conditions associated with ST-segment elevation. N Engl J Med. 2004 Mar 11; 350 (11): 1152-5; (author reply to PMID 14645641) 1152-5. PMID 15014192</ref>
Acute epicardial artery occlusion by [[thrombus]] is certainly one cause of ST segment elevation, but other causes of ST segment elevation which are not associated with myonecrosis include the following: (listed in alphabetical order) <ref>Wang K, Asinger RW, Marriott HJ. ST-segment elevation in conditions other than acute myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med. 2003 Nov 27; 349 (22): 2128-35. Review. PMID 14645641</ref> <ref>Ako J, Honda Y, Fitzgerald PJ. Conditions associated with ST-segment elevation. N Engl J Med. 2004 Mar 11; 350 (11): 1152-5; (author reply to PMID 14645641) 1152-5. PMID 15014192</ref>



Revision as of 19:25, 10 February 2009

Myocardial infarction electrocardiogram
Illustration of ST segment elevation with measurement of the magnitude of ST elevation 60 milliseconds after the J point.
ICD-10 I21-I22
ICD-9 410
DiseasesDB 8664
MedlinePlus 000195
eMedicine med/1567  emerg/327 ped/2520

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Overview

A primary purpose of the electrocardiogram is to detect ischemia or acute coronary injury in broad, symptomatic emergency department populations. The 12 lead ECG is used to classify patients into one of three groups:

  • Those with ST segment elevation or new bundle branch block (suspicious for acute injury and a possible candidate for acute reperfusion therapy with thrombolytics or primary PCI),
  • Those with ST segment depression or T wave inversion (suspicious for ischemia), and
  • Those with a so-called non-diagnostic or normal ECG.[1]

A normal ECG does not rule out the presence of acute myocardial infarction. Sometimes the earliest presentation of acute myocardial infarction is instead the hyperacute T wave.[2] In clinical practice, hyperacute T waves are rarely seen, because they exists for only 2-30 minutes after the onset of infarction.[3] Hyperacute T waves need to be distinguished from the peaked T waves associated with hyperkalemia.[4]

Definition of ST Elevation

The current guidelines for the ECG diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction require at least 1 mm (0.1 mV) of ST segment elevation in 2 or more anatomically contiguous leads.[1] This criterion is problematic, however, as acute myocardial infarction is not the most common cause of ST segment elevation in chest pain patients.[5] In addition, over 90% of healthy men have at least 1 mm (0.1 mV) of ST segment elevation in at least one precordial lead.[6] The clinician must therefore be well versed in recognizing the so-called ECG mimics of acute myocardial infarction, which include left ventricular hypertrophy, left bundle branch block, paced rhythm, benign early repolarization, pericarditis, hyperkalemia, and ventricular aneurysm.[7][8][6]

Left bundle branch block and pacing can interfere with the electrocardiographic diagnosis of acute myocadial infarction. The GUSTO investigators Sgarbossa et al. developed a set of criteria for identifying acute myocardial infarction in the presence of left bundle branch block and paced rhythm. They include concordant ST segment elevation > 1 mm (0.1 mV), discordant ST segment elevation > 5 mm (0.5 mV), and concordant ST segment depression in the left precordial leads.[9] The presence of reciprocal changes on the 12 lead ECG may help distinguish true acute myocardial infarction from the mimics of acute myocardial infarction. The contour of the ST segment may also be helpful, with a straight or upwardly convex (non-concave) ST segment favoring the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.[10]

Differential Diagnosis of Causes of ST Segment Elevation in the Absence of Myonecrosis

ST Segment Elevation Does Not Always Signify a Myocardial Infarction. ST segment elevation should alert the clinician to the possibility of myocardial injury, however, there are a variety of conditions that cause ST segment elevation which are not associated with myonecrosis. Acute epicardial artery occlusion by thrombus is certainly one cause of ST segment elevation, but other causes of ST segment elevation which are not associated with myonecrosis include the following: (listed in alphabetical order) [11] [12]

  • Aneurysm of the ventricle can result in persistent ST segment elevation that can be exacerbated with tachycardia.
  • Balloon inflation in a coronary artery during percutaneous coronary intervention
  • Early repolarization is a normal variant that can result in ST segment elevation. It is more common in males of younger age. The ST elevation is exacerbated by bradycardia.
  • Hyperkalemia known as the "dialyzable current of njury" hyperkalemia may cause hyperacute ECG changes due to changes in membrane polarity
  • Left bundle branch block is associated with ST segment elevation in those leads that are discordant to the QRS. Stated differently, if the QRS is predominantly of a negative deflection, it is normal to observe ST segment elevation in the same leads. The presence of ST elevation in leads where the QRS deflection is upright (concordance) may be a marker of myocardial injury.
  • Myopericarditis can cause injury to the subepicardial myocytes and ST segment elevation.
  • Myocarditis can cause injury to the subepicardial myocytes and ST segment elevation.
  • Pericardiocentesis when the needle comes into contact with the myocardium, there can be ST segment elevation reflecting local injury of the myocardium.
  • Pericarditis can cause injury to the subepicardial myocytes and ST elevation.
  • Prinzmetal's angina is associated with ST segment elevation due to transient epicardial coronary artery spasm either in the absence or presence of atherosclerosis. If the condition persists long enough, myonecrosis can be observed.
  • Stroke Intracranial hemorrhage can in some cases cause ST segment elevation due to direct myocyte injury from a hyperadrenergic stimulation emanating from the central nervous system.

Differential Diagnosis of Causes of ST Segment Elevation in the Presence of Myonecrosis (STEMI)

While plaque rupture is the most common cause of ST segment elevation MI, other conditions can cause ST elevation and myocardial necrosis. In order to expeditiously treat an alternate underlying cause of myonecrosis, it is important to rpadily identify conditions other than plaque rupture that may also cause ST elevation and myonecrosis. Indeed, the management of some of these conditions might be differ substantially from that of plaque rupture: cocaine induced STEMI would not be treated with beta-blockers, and myocardial contusion would not be treated with an antithrombin. These conditions include the following:

Cardiovascular Aortic dissection more often extends to occlude the ostium of the right coronary artery

Aortic stenosis can cause subendocardial ischemia and infarction if demand grossly exceeds supply


Chemical / poisoning Carbon monoxide poisoning
Dermatologic No underlying causes
Drug Side Effect Oral contraceptive pills, particularly among women who smoke

Anabolic steroids

Ear Nose Throat A recent upper respiratory tract infections has been associated with a 4.9 fold rise in the risk of MI
Endocrine Thyrotoxicosis
Environmental Blizzards and snow shoveling, and inhalation of fine particulate matter in areas with air pollution and high traffic have been identified as triggers of MI.
Gastroenterologic A heavy meal has been associated with a 4 fold rise in the risk of MI, and it is not clear if this is mediated by hyperadrenergic tone [13];
Genetic Familial hypercholesterolemia
Hematologic Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Hypercoagulable states

Polycythemia vera

Thrombocytosis

Iatrogenic Epinephrine overdose

Sudden withdrawal of Beta blockers or nitrates

Infectious Disease A recent upper respiratory tract infections has been associated with a 4.9 fold rise in the risk of MI

Infectious endocarditis may STEMI as a result of embolization

Musculoskeletal / Ortho No underlying causes
Neurologic No underlying causes
Nutritional / Metabolic A heavy meal has been associated with a 4 fold rise in the risk of MI and it is not clear if this is mediated by hyperadrenergic tone [14];

Amyloidosis

Fabry disease

Homocystinuria

Mucopolysaccharidoses or Hurler disease

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum

Thiamine deficiency has been associated with ST elevation and myonecrosis [15] [16] [17]

Obstetric/Gynecologic Spontaneous coronary dissection in the setting of pregnancy
Oncologic Radiation therapy can accelerate atherosclerosis particularly in the distribution of the left anterior descending artery;
Opthalmologic No underlying causes
Overdose / Toxicity Cocaine ingestion which may result in direct myocyte injury due to an adrendergic surge, vasoconstriction of the microvasculature or plaque rupture and thrombus formation;

Marijuana ingestion has been identified as a trigger of MI.

Psychiatric Anger, anxiety, bereavement, work-related stress, earthquakes, bombings and other psychosocial stressors have been identified as triggers of MI, and it is not clear if the mechanism is plaque rupture or hyperadrenergic tone;

Stress cardiomyopathy or Broken heart syndrome causes ST segment elevation most often in the anterior precordium and is thought to be due to direct myocyte injury from a hyperadrenergic stimulation emanating from the central nervous system.

Pulmonary A recent upper respiratory tract infections has been associated with a 4.9 fold rise in the risk of MI
Renal / Electrolyte Homocystinuria
Rheum / Immune / Allergy Takayasus
Sexual Sexual activity has been identified as a trigger of MI
Trauma Both penetrating and non-penetrating trauma to the heart or myocardial contusion, commotio cordis can be associated with ST elevation and myonecrosis.
Urologic No underlying causes
Miscellaneous Hypotension particularly if it is prolonged

Limitations of the 12 lead ECG

However, the standard 12 lead ECG has several limitations. An ECG represents a brief sample in time. Because unstable ischemic syndromes have rapidly changing supply versus demand characteristics, a single ECG may not accurately represent the entire picture. It is therefore desirable to obtain serial 12 lead ECGs, particularly if the first ECG is obtained during a pain-free episode. Alternatively, many emergency departments and chest pain centers use computers capable of continuous ST segment monitoring.[18] It should also be appreciated that the standard 12 lead ECG does not directly examine the right ventricle, and does a relatively poor job of examining the posterior basal and lateral walls of the left ventricle. In particular, acute myocardial infarction in the distribution of the circumflex artery is likely to produce a nondiagnostic ECG. The use of non-standard ECG leads like right-sided lead V4R and posterior leads V7, V8, and V9 may improve sensitivity for right ventricular and posterior myocardial infarction. In spite of these limitations, the 12 lead ECG stands at the center of risk stratification for the patient with suspected acute myocardial infarction. Mistakes in interpretation are relatively common, and the failure to identify high risk features has a negative effect on the quality of patient care.[19]

Localization of the infarct using the 12 lead ECG

The constellation of leads with ST segment elevation enables the clinician to identify what area of the heart is injured, which in turn helps predict the so-called culprit artery.

As the myocardial infarction evolves, there may be loss of R wave height and development of pathological Q waves. T wave inversion may persist for months or even permanently following acute myocardial infarction.[20] Typically, however, the T wave recovers, leaving a pathological Q wave as the only remaining evidence that an acute myocardial infarction has occurred.

Evolution of the EKG during acute myocardial infarction
Figure change
minutes

hyperacute T waves (peaked T waves)

ST-elevation

hours

ST-elevation, with terminal negative T wave

negative T wave (these can last for months)

days Pathologic Q Waves

Measurement of the Magnitude of ST Elevation: 60 Milliseconds after the J point

In this diagram ST elevation is measured 60ms or 80ms after the J point.

The optimal time after the J point to measure ST elevation is debated. This example shows the technique of measuring the magnitude of ST elevation 60 milliseconds or 1.5 small boxes after the J point.

Distinguishing Early Repolarization and Other Normal Variants from Pathologic ST Elevation

Examples of Early Repolarization and Normal Variant of ST Elevation

EKG Examples















Wall Affected Leads Showing ST Segment Elevation Leads Showing Reciprocal ST Segment Depression Suspected Culprit Artery
Septal V1, V2 None Left Anterior Descending (LAD)
Anterior V3, V4 None Left Anterior Descending (LAD)
Anteroseptal V1, V2, V3, V4 None Left Anterior Descending (LAD)
Anterolateral V3, V4, V5, V6, I, aVL II, III, aVF Left Anterior Descending (LAD), Circumflex (LCX), or Obtuse Marginal
Extensive anterior (Sometimes called Anteroseptal with Lateral extension) V1,V2,V3, V4, V5, V6, I, aVL II, III, aVF Left main coronary artery (LCA)
Inferior II, III, aVF I, aVL Right Coronary Artery (RCA) or Circumflex (LCX)
Lateral I, aVL, V5, V6 II, III, aVF Circumflex (LCX) or Obtuse Marginal
Posterior (Usually associated with Inferior or Lateral but can be isolated) V7, V8, V9 V1,V2,V3, V4 Posterior Descending (PDA) (branch of the RCA or Circumflex (LCX))
Right ventricular (Usually associated with Inferior) II, III, aVF, V1, V4R I, aVL Right Coronary Artery (RCA)

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care - Part 8: Stabilization of the Patient With Acute Coronary Syndromes." Circulation 2005; 112: IV-89 - IV-110.
  2. Somers MP, Brady WJ, Perron AD, Mattu A. "The prominent T wave: electrocardiographic differential diagnosis." Am J Emerg Med 2002; 20(3): 243-51. PMID 11992348
  3. Smith SW, Whitwam W. "Acute Coronary Syndromes." Emerg Med Clin N Am 2006; 24(1): 53-89. PMID 16308113
  4. "The clinical value of the ECG in noncardiac conditions." Chest 2004; 125(4): 1561-76. PMID 15078775
  5. Brady WJ, Perron AD, Martin ML, Beagle C, Aufderheide TP. "Cause of ST segment abnormality in ED chest pain patients." Am J Emerg Med 2001; 19(1): 25-8. PMID 11146012
  6. 6.0 6.1 Wang K, Asinger RW, Marriott HJ. "ST-segment elevation in conditions other than acute myocardial infarction." New Engl J Med 2003; 349(22): 2128-35. PMID 14645641
  7. Brady WJ, Chan TC, Pollack M. "Electrocardiographic manifestations: patterns that confound the EKG diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction-left bundle branch block, ventricular paced rhythm, and left ventricular hypertrophy." J Emerg Med 2000; 18(1): 71-8. PMID 10645842
  8. "Electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation: correct identification of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and non-AMI syndromes by emergency physicians." Acad Emerg Med 2001; 8(4): 349-60. PMID 11282670
  9. Sgarbossa EB, Pinski SL, Barbagelata A, Underwood DA, Gates KB, Topol EJ, Califf RM, Wagner GS. "Electrocardiographic diagnosis of evolving acute myocardial infarction in the presence of left bundle branch block." N Engl J Med 1996; 334 (8): 481-7. PMID 8559200
  10. "Electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation: the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction by morphologic analysis of the ST segment." Acad Emerg Med 2001; 8(10): 961-7. PMID 11581081
  11. Wang K, Asinger RW, Marriott HJ. ST-segment elevation in conditions other than acute myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med. 2003 Nov 27; 349 (22): 2128-35. Review. PMID 14645641
  12. Ako J, Honda Y, Fitzgerald PJ. Conditions associated with ST-segment elevation. N Engl J Med. 2004 Mar 11; 350 (11): 1152-5; (author reply to PMID 14645641) 1152-5. PMID 15014192
  13. Lipovetsky N, Hod H, Roth A, Kishon Y, Sclarovsky S, Green MS. Heavy meals as a trigger for a first event of the acute coronary syndrome:a case-crossover study. Isr Med Assoc J. 2004;6:728 –731.
  14. Lipovetsky N, Hod H, Roth A, Kishon Y, Sclarovsky S, Green MS. Heavy meals as a trigger for a first event of the acute coronary syndrome:a case-crossover study. Isr Med Assoc J. 2004;6:728 –731.
  15. Hiroaki Kawano, Yuji Koide, Genji Toda and Katsusuke Yano. ST-segment Elevation of Electrocardiogram in a Patient with Shoshin Beriberi. Internal Medicine. Vol. 44 (2005) , No. 6 pp.578-585.
  16. Hundley JM, Ashburn LL, Sebrell WH. The electrocardiogram in chronic thiamine deficiency in rats. Am J Physiol 144: 404–414, 1954.
  17. Read DH, Harrington DD. Experimentally induced thiamine deficiency in beagle dogs: clinical observations. Am J Vet Res 42: 984–991, 1981.
  18. Selker HP, Zalenski RJ, Antman EM, et al. "An evaluation of technologies for identifying acute cardiac ischemia in the emergency department: executive summary of a National Heart Attack Alert Program Working Group Report." Ann Emerg Med 1997; 29(1): 25-28. PMID 8998085
  19. Masoudi FA, Magid DJ, Vinson DR et al."Implications of the Failure to Identify High-Risk Electrocardiogram Findings for the Quality of Care of Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction." Circulation 2006; 114: 1565-1571.
  20. Morris F, Brady W (2002). "ABC of clinical electrocardiography: Acute myocardial infarction-Part I.". BMJ. 324 (7341): 831–4. PMID 1934778.Full text
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See Also

Additional Resources

  • Tanel RE. ECGs in the ED. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2008 Jan; 24 (1): 62-3. PMID 18212616

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