Syncope

Results:
ECG STAT January 6, 2026
Short QT Interval: DDx

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…

Weekly Workout January 5, 2026
Dr. Mattu’s 5 Favorite ECG Cases of 2025

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,…

ECG STAT September 20, 2025
Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM)

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…

ECG STAT September 20, 2025
Yamaguchi Pattern: Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (ApHCM)

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…

ECG STAT September 20, 2025
Syncope Emergencies

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…

ECG STAT September 16, 2025
Must-Know Syncope: DDx

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…

Weekly Workout September 15, 2025
Not Your Usual STEMI: High Voltage and Narrow Q Waves

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…

ECG STAT September 1, 2025
Epsilon Waves

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…

ECG STAT May 8, 2025
Short QT Syndrome

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…

ECG STAT March 12, 2025
QRS Fragmentation (fQRS)

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…

ECG STAT February 12, 2025
Congenital Long QT Syndrome

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…

ECG STAT February 11, 2025
Acquired Long QT Syndrome

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…

ECG STAT January 11, 2025
Brugada Syndrome (BrS)

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…

ECG STAT November 23, 2024
Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM)

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…

Weekly Workout January 15, 2024
Literature Review: Brugada Syndrome

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…

Weekly Workout January 8, 2024
Literature Review: Fever and ST segment elevation after syncope

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…

Weekly Workout December 18, 2023
Literature Review: ST segment elevation after syncope and cardiac arrest

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…

Weekly Workout October 2, 2023
Differential Diagnoses: what to consider in patients who have isolated syncope and present asymptomatic

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…

Weekly Workout September 25, 2023
Differential Diagnoses: must know cardiac causes of syncope

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…

Weekly Workout May 22, 2023
Hyperacute T waves and serial ECGs in early ACS, AV blocks, and more on sustained vs. nonsustained ventricular tachycardia

An 80-year-old man presents to the emergency department after an episode of syncope. The following ECG is obtained:

Loading...