Project description:A 51-year-old female undergoing an outpatient stress echocardiogram to evaluate atypical chest pain developed acute ST elevation in the anterior precordial leads on electrocardiogram following exercise. Echocardiography revealed a severe rise in pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) with marked right ventricular (RV) enlargement and interventricular septum flattening. Subsequently, cardiac catherization confirmed an exercise-induced elevation in PASP and diagnosed pulmonary arterial hypertension without evidence of coronary artery disease. This case suggests that an acute elevation in pulmonary artery pressure with RV dilation may be a potential cause of acute ST elevation during stress testing.
Project description:BackgroundHigh-frequency QRS (HF-QRS) manifests as a novel adjunct electrocardiographic marker with potential utility in coronary artery disease (CAD) detection.HypothesisWe hypothesize that HF-QRS analysis may be superior to conventional ST-segment analysis in detecting CAD, and the combination of these two analyses in the exercise stress test may enhance the diagnostic efficacy for CAD.MethodsThe study incorporated a sample of 157 patients (mean age 62 ±$\pm $ 9 years) referred for nonemergent angiography. Before angiography, patients underwent exercise stress testing utilizing an upright bicycle. High-resolution electrocardiogram (ECG) data were collected during the exercise test, facilitating both HF-QRS and conventional ST-segment analyses. The diagnostic efficacy of HF-QRS and ST-segment analysis were compared, utilizing angiographic outcomes as the gold standard. The study design integrated HF-QRS analysis and ST-segment analysis via sequential and concurrent testing protocols.ResultsIn terms of CAD detection, HF-QRS analysis displayed superior sensitivity compared to conventional ST-segment analysis (63% vs. 37%, p = .002). The serial test significantly increased specificity from 79% to 97% (p = .002) compared to ST-deviation analysis alone. It showed a markedly low sensitivity of 26%. The parallel test significantly increased sensitivity from 37% to 77% (p < .001), while retaining a moderate level of specificity of 51%. The quantity of ECG leads exhibiting a positive HF-QRS response demonstrated a correlation with the severity of CAD (p < .001).ConclusionsHF-QRS analysis exhibited superior sensitivity in detecting angiographically confirmed CAD relative to conventional ST-segment analysis. Moreover, the combination of HF-QRS and ST-segment alterations during exercise stress test enhanced the diagnostic efficacy for CAD.
Project description:ImportanceAcute coronary syndromes are the leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of disease burden in high-income countries. Quick and accurate diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes is essential to avoid fatal events, for timely intervention, and to improve the prognosis.ObjectiveTo prospectively investigate the feasibility and accuracy of a smartwatch in recording multiple electrocardiographic (ECG) leads and detecting ST-segment changes associated with acute coronary syndromes compared with a standard 12-lead ECG.Design, setting, and participantsA commercially available smartwatch was used in 100 participants to obtain multiple-channel ECGs. The study was conducted from April 19, 2019, to January 23, 2020. Fifty-four patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction, 27 patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, and 19 healthy individuals were included in the study. The watch was placed in different body positions to obtain 9 bipolar ECG tracings (corresponding to Einthoven leads I, II, and III and precordial leads V1-V6) that were compared with a simultaneous standard 12-lead ECG.Main outcomes and measuresThe concordance among the results of the smartwatch and standard ECG recordings was assessed using the Cohen κ coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis.ResultsOf the 100 participants in the study, 67 were men (67%); mean (SD) age was 61 (16) years. Agreement was found between the smartwatch and standard ECG for the identification of a normal ECG (Cohen κ coefficient, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.78-1.00), ST-segment elevation changes (Cohen κ coefficient, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.78-0.97), and non-ST-segment elevation changes (Cohen κ coefficient, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.96). In addition, the Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated agreement between the smartwatch and standard ECG to detect the amplitude of ST-segment changes (bias, -0.003; SD, 0.18; lower limit, -0.36; and upper limit, 0.36). Use of the smartwatch ECG for the diagnosis of normal ECG showed a sensitivity of 84% (95% CI, 60%-97%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 95%-100%); for ST elevation, sensitivity was 93% (95% CI, 82%-99%) and specificity was 95% (95% CI, 85%-99%); and for NSTE ECG alterations, sensitivity was 94% (95% CI, 81%-99%) and specificity was 92% (95% CI, 83%-97%).Conclusions and relevanceThe findings of this study suggest agreement between the multichannel smartwatch ECG and standard ECG for the identification of ST-segment changes in patients with acute coronary syndromes.
Project description:Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) and neprilysin have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in chronic inflammatory disease and heart failure, but these biomarkers have been studied less in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We investigated the dynamic changes in these biomarkers, as well as the well-known C-reactive protein (CRP), in STEMI patients. PTX3, neprilysin and CRP were measured in samples from 165 STEMI patients, collected at the acute stage, 1-3 days after and 3 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and from 40 healthy donors. Patient survival was followed for approximately 8 years after the PCI. As compared with samples from healthy donors, plasma levels of CRP and PTX3 were significantly increased in the acute samples and 1-3 days after PCI, but not at 3 months. CRP levels peaked at 1-3 days, while PTX3 was similarly high in both acute and 1-3 days samples. For neprilysin, no significant differences were observed at the group level. We found no significant differences when comparing patients with patent versus occluded culprit vessels or between patients having a thrombus aspiration or not. However, we found a significant reduction in survival for individuals with PTX3 above the median, both for samples collected at the acute stage and 1-3 days after PCI (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0008, respectively). For CRP, no significant differences were observed using this approach, but patients above the reference range for healthy donors in the acute samples showed significantly lower survival (p = 0.0476). Conclusions: Survival analysis suggests that PTX3 might be a promising marker to predict mortality in this patient population.
Project description:BackgroundReduced effect of antiplatelet therapy has been reported in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This could partly be explained by an increase of highly reactive immature platelets.ObjectivesTo investigate changes in platelet maturity and reactivity after acute STEMI.MethodsPatients diagnosed with STEMI, admitted for primary percutaneous coronary intervention, and treated according to international guidelines, were included. Blood samples were obtained within 24 hours after admission and at 2- to 3-months follow-up. Platelet maturity and reactivity using multicolor flow cytometry with SYTO-13 to categorize platelet maturity, whole blood platelet aggregation, serum thromboxane B2 levels, and standard immature platelet markers (eg, immature platelet count and fraction, and mean platelet volume) were measured.ResultsA total of 44 STEMI patients were included. The reactivity of immature platelets was consistently higher at baseline and at follow-up when compared to the entire platelet population and the mature platelet population (all P values < .05). The expression of CD63 (a dense granule marker) in immature platelets was consistently high compared to the entire platelet population and the mature platelet population and did not change from baseline to follow-up (P values > .24). Additionally, a positive significant correlation was found between standard immature platelet markers and the expression of CD63 on platelets both at baseline and follow-up (rho ranging from 0.32 to 0.62, all P values < .05).ConclusionImmature platelets represent a highly reactive platelet subpopulation crucial for the overall platelet reactivity, partly due to a high expression of dense granules. Despite treatment with loading and maintenance doses of antiplatelet therapy, the reactivity of immature platelets remained high in STEMI patients.
Project description:Left ventricular (LV) rupture after myocardial infarction (MI) occasionally results in formation of LV pseudoaneurysm (LVPA) which is prone to rupture because of its thin wall. However, cases of LVPA without ST changes including segment elevation in electrocardiogram (ECG) are rare. In this case, we describe a patient who had relatively mild symptoms and giant LVPA with no specific ECG changes following MI with a confirmed diagnosis via transthoracic echocardiography. Although surgical treatment options are often recommended, conservative therapy was adopted, following which the patient had been well-medicated using antihypertensive drugs and anticoagulants. <Leaning objectives: Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVPA) is usually accompanied by ST segment changes on electrocardiogram (ECG) due to myocardial damage. However, we should take into account a LVPA without ECG specific changes, so echocardiography is better to be considered for an identification. Although many LVPA patients undergo surgery because of risk for rupture, some cases with stable hemodynamic status can have long-term survival with conservative therapy such as anti-hypertension and coagulation.>.
Project description:ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between ST-segment resolution (STR) and myocardial scar thickness after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).MethodsForty-two STEMI patients with single-branch coronary artery stenosis or occlusion were enrolled. ST-segment elevations were measured at emergency admission and at 24 h after PCI. Late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR-LGE) was performed 7 days after PCI to evaluate myocardial scars. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the utility of STR to predict the development of transmural (> 75%) or non-transmural (< 75%) myocardial scars, according to previous study.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of STR for predicting transmural scars were 96% and 88%, respectively, at an STR cut-off value of 40.15%. The area under the curve was 0.925. Multivariate logistic proportional hazards regression analysis disclosed that patients with STR < 40.15% had a 170.90-fold higher probability of developing transmural scars compared with patients with STR ≥ 40.15%. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses showed STR percentage was significantly associated with myocardial scar thickness and size.ConclusionSTR < 40.15% at 24 h after PCI may provide meaningful diagnostic information regarding the extent of myocardial scarification in STEMI patients.
Project description:AimsThis study aims to explore cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived left ventricular (LV) function, strain, and infarct size characteristics in patients with transient ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (TSTEMI) compared to patients with ST-segment and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI and NSTEMI, respectively).Methods and resultsIn total, 407 patients were enrolled in this multicentre observational prospective cohort study. All patients underwent CMR examination 2-8 days after the index event. CMR cine imaging was performed for functional assessment and late gadolinium enhancement to determine infarct size and identify microvascular obstruction (MVO). TSTEMI patients demonstrated the highest LV ejection fraction and the most preserved global LV strain (longitudinal, circumferential, and radial) across the three groups (overall P ≤ 0.001). The CMR-defined infarction was less frequently observed in TSTEMI than in STEMI patients [77 (65%) vs. 124 (98%), P < 0.001] but was comparable with NSTEMI patients [77 (65%) vs. 66 (70%), P = 0.44]. A remarkably smaller infarct size was seen in TSTEMI compared to STEMI patients [1.4 g (0.0-3.9) vs. 13.5 g (5.3-26.8), P < 0.001], whereas infarct size was not significantly different from that in NSTEMI patients [1.4 g (0.0-3.9) vs. 2.1 g (0.0-8.6), P = 0.06]. Whilst the presence of MVO was less frequent in TSTEMI compared to STEMI patients [5 (4%) vs. 53 (31%), P < 0.001], no significant difference was seen compared to NSTEMI patients [5 (4%) vs. 5 (5%), P = 0.72].ConclusionTSTEMI yielded favourable cardiac LV function, strain, and infarct-related scar mass compared to STEMI and NSTEMI. LV function and infarct characteristics of TSTEMI tend to be more similar to NSTEMI than STEMI.
Project description:BackgroundDifferences in plasma and whole blood expression microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have been determined in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Although most circulating miRNAs are located in the cellular components of whole blood, little is known about the miRNA profiles of whole blood subcomponents, including plasma, platelets and leukocytes in patients with myocardial ischemia.MethodsThirteen patients with a ST-segment-elevation (STEMI) or non-ST-segment elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction were identified in the University of Massachusetts Medical Center Emergency Department (ED) or cardiac catheterization laboratory between February and June of 2012. Whole blood was obtained from arterial blood samples at the time of cardiac catheterization and cell-specific miRNA profiling was performed. Expression of 343 miRNAs was quantified from whole blood, plasma, platelets, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells using a high-throughput, quantitative Real-Time polymerase-chain reaction system (qRT-PCR).ResultsMiRNAs associated with STEMI as compared to NSTEMI patients included miR-25-3p, miR-221-3p, and miR-374b-5p. MiRNA 30d-5p was associated with plasma, platelets, and leukocytes in both STEMI and NSTEMI patients; miRNAs 221-3p and 483-5p were correlated with plasma and platelets only in NSTEMI patients.ConclusionsCell-specific miRNA profiles differed between patients with STEMI and NSTEMI. The miRNA distribution is also unique amongst plasma, platelets, and leukocytes in patients with ischemic heart disease or ACS. Our findings suggest unique miRNA profiles among the circulating subcomponents in patients presenting with myocardial ischemia.
Project description:AimsDue to time-critical decision-making, physical strain and the uncontrolled environment, prehospital emergency management is frequently associated with high levels of stress in medical personnel. Stress has been known to cause ischemia like changes in electrocardiograms (ECGs), including arrhythmias and deviations in ST-T segments. There is a lack of knowledge regarding the occurrence of changes in ST-T segments in prehospital emergency physicians. We hypothesized that ST-T segment deviations occur in prehospital emergency physicians in the field.MethodsIn this prospective observational trial, ST-T segments of emergency physicians were recorded using 12-lead Holter ECGs. The primary outcome parameter was defined as the incidence of ST-T segment changes greater than 0.1 mV in two corresponding leads for more than 30 s per 100 rescue missions. The secondary outcomes included T-wave inversions and ST-segment changes shorter than 30 s or smaller than 0.1 mV. Surrogate parameters of stress were measured using the NASA-Task Load Index and cognitive appraisal, and their correlation with ST-T segment changes were also assessed.ResultsData from 20 physicians in 36 shifts (18 days, 18 nights) including 208 missions were analysed. Seventy percent of previously healthy emergency physicians had at least one ECG abnormality; the mean duration of these changes was 30 s. Significantly more missions with ECG changes were found during night than day shifts (39 vs. 17%, p < 0.001). Forty-nine ECG changes occurred between missions. No ST-T segment changes > 30 s and > 0.1 mV were found. Two ST-T segment changes < 30 s or < 0.1 mV (each during missions) and 122 episodes of T-wave inversions (74 during missions) were identified. ECG changes were found to be associated with alarms when asleep and NASA task load index.ConclusionECG changes are frequent and occur in most healthy prehospital emergency physicians. Even when occurring for less than 30 s, such changes are important signs for high levels of stress. The long-term impact of these changes needs further investigation. Trial registration The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04003883) on 1.7.2019: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04003883?term=emergency+physician&rank=2.