Key Points: Short QT Interval: A QT interval is considered short when the corrected QT (QTc) interval is less than 350 ms. A short QT interval on the ECG can…
A 68-year-old man presents after syncope with profound bradycardia. The ECG shows a very slow ventricular rate with high-grade AV block. The reflex move is to focus only on pacing,…
Key Points Definition and mechanics: Genetic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with asymmetric LV hypertrophy, typically septal, causing dynamic LVOT obstruction from systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve. Gradient worsens when…
Key Points Definition and mechanics: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy variant with maximal hypertrophy at the LV apex (apical HCM, ApHCM). LVOT is often not obstructed at rest; some patients have mid-ventricular obstruction…
Key Points: ECG and monitor early: First-time seizure, near-syncope, unexplained LOC, or syncope all get a 12-lead now and continuous telemetry. Repeat ECG during symptoms or after another event. History…
Key Points: Syncope and the ECG: Syncope is a transient loss of consciousness and postural tone, characterized by rapid onset, brief duration, and spontaneous recovery without medical intervention. Cardiac syncope…
A 16-year-old male is referred to the emergency department from a primary care clinic with concern for STEMI. He has no known past medical history. At the clinic, he reported…
Key Points Definition: Small, low-amplitude positive deflections at the terminal QRS or very early ST segment, caused by delayed right ventricular activation through diseased myocardium. Association: Highly specific for arrhythmogenic…
Key Points Short QT Syndrome (SQTS) is a rare condition characterized by a shortened QT interval on the ECG, increasing the risk of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, including sudden cardiac…
Key Points Definition: QRS fragmentation (fQRS) refers to the presence of additional notches or spikes within the QRS complex, observed in at least two contiguous leads corresponding to a specific…
Key Points Congenital Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a group of genetic disorders characterized by a prolonged QT interval on ECG, leading to an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and…
Key Points Acquired Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is the most common form of LQTS, resulting from medications, electrolyte disturbances, or underlying medical conditions. High-risk factors include the use of multiple…
Key Points Life-Threatening Sodium Channelopathy: Predisposes to ventricular arrhythmias (VF/VT) and sudden cardiac death (SCD), often in otherwise “healthy” hearts. When to Suspect BrS: Patients with syncope, unexplained “seizures,” ventricular…
Key Points Definition & Terminology: Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM), previously known as Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia (ARVC/D), is an inherited disorder characterized by progressive fibrofatty replacement of the ventricular myocardium, predominantly…
A 55-year-old man with no significant PMHx (on no medications) presents to the emergency department with right lower quadrant pain. He is afebrile on arrival, with mild sinus tachycardia. He…
A young woman presents to the ED after a syncopal episode. She hit her chest after falling and has reproducible chest wall tenderness on exam. She is also noted to…
A 22-year-old man with no known significant PMHx presents after syncope. He is asymptomatic on arrival with normal vital signs. History and physical exam is non-diagnostic. While an ECG is…
A 26-year-old woman presents to the ED after 2 episodes of lightheadedness and near syncope that lasted 30-60 seconds each. She is now asymptomatic with normal vital signs and a…
A 22-year-old man presents to the ED after syncope. He reports walking around and experiencing chest discomfort and shortness of breath prior to the episode. He feels anxious on arrival…
An 80-year-old man presents to the emergency department after an episode of syncope. The following ECG is obtained: