2015 ECG Competition Answers (Part 2/2)

This week we review the answers to the last 6 cases from the UMEM Residency ECG Competition. Make sure to attempt to answer the questions before clicking the red boxes…

2015 ECG Competition Answers (Part 1/2)

This week we review the answers to the first 6 cases from the UMEM Residency ECG Competition. Make sure to attempt to answer the questions before clicking the red boxes…

Differential Diagnoses: short PR intervals and a review of the Lown-Ganong-Levine (LGL) syndrome

HPI: A 65-year-old male presented to the ED with arm pain after a fall. He was found to have a humerus fracture. The following ECG was done in search of…

Literature Review: IV beta blocker use in emergency department patients with suspected ACS, and the prognotic differences between syncope and near syncope

Before watching this video, ask yourself these questions: Should IV BBs be used in the ED for patients with suspected ACS? Does it make a difference if patients have true…

Bradyarrhythmias: regular vs. irregular P-P intervals

ECG cases from Baltimore City EMS

Differential Diagnoses: new T wave inversions in the anteroseptal leads

Literature Review: how long does it take to incorporate evidence into routine clinical practice, and can the HEART pathway safely reduce cardiac testing in low risk chest pain patients

Before watching this video, ask yourself these questions: How long does it take to incorporate evidence-based therapeutics into routine practice? Can the HEART pathway safely reduce cardiac testing in low…

Differential DIagnoses: low voltage QRS and sinus tachycardia

STAT ECG Diagnoses: inverted U waves

HPI:  A 58-year-old male presents with chest pressure and diaphoresis. The following ECG is done. Case ECG  

Differential Diagnoses: new onset seizures

HPI:  A 33-year-old female presents with new onset seizures. The following ECG is done. Case ECG  

Differential Diagnoses: Non-conducted P-waves (P:QRS > 1)

HPI:  A 92-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with lightheadedness. Case ECG   Before watching this week’s video, ask yourself these questions: Focus on the rate and rhythm, what…

Rhythm Interpretation: a three-step approach to diagnosing AV blocks

HPI:  A 54-year-old woman with PMHx of cardiomyopathy is referred to the ED by her cardiologist who is concerned about an “arrhythmia”. Case ECG   Before watching this week’s video,…

Literature Review: how does basic life support compare to advanced (ACLS) in out of hospital cardiac arrest outcomes, and does availability of prior ECGs improve accuracy of STEMI recognition by paramedics?

Before watching this video, ask yourself these questions: Is noninvasive therapeutic hypothermia safe and efficient? Does availability of a prior ECG improve accuracy of STEMI recognition by paramedics? How does…

ECG Basics & Fundamentals: a systemactic approach to ECG interpretation

HPI:  A 78-year-old male presents to the ED complaining of generalized weakness. Case ECG

Differential Diagnoses: the biggest reason we miss a diagnosis is that we make a diagnosis, and then stop looking

HPI:  An unresponsive 45-year-old male is brought in to your ED by ambulance. His wife found him unconscious at home and called 911. History is otherwise limited. Case ECG  

Literature Review: ECG computer interpretations and review of STEMI criteria

HPI: A 45-year-old male is en route to your hospital by EMS with chest pain. EMS has transmitted this ECG to you from the field, with suspicion of STEMI. Case ECG…

Differential Diagnoses: long QTc interval

HPI: 32-year-old female with PMHx of hyperthyroidism (on carbimazole) presents with jaundice and intermittent palpitations. She has mild RUQ abdominal pain, but is otherwise well. Vitals: HR~100, BP-130/70, RR-18, afebrile. Exam:…

ECG basics and fundamentals: Prehospital STEMI activations with a review of the literature

50-year-old woman with a PMHx of DM and obesity presents with dizziness and sub-acute back pain. She also reports myalgias and anorexia. She denies any associated chest pain, and is…

Literature Review: do we still need to send CK-MBs as a cardiac biomarker?

Before watching this video, ask yourself these questions: Do we still need to send CK-MB’s when testing for ACS? How does conventional troponin (c-TN) compare to high sensitivity troponin (hs-TN)…