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Grautoff S, Watol M. Life-saving fall detection by a smartwatch in a case of ventricular fibrillation. Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol 2024:10.1007/s00399-024-01026-w. [PMID: 38739286 DOI: 10.1007/s00399-024-01026-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
New smart devices that have the potential to support the health and well-being of their owners have become available. In particular, smart watches are able to identify a fall by the person who is wearing the watch and report it to pre-defined contacts and the local emergency control center. Falls in older people are common and only rarely caused by malignant cardiac arrhythmia. The case of an elderly male whose smart watch automatically reported his fall due to ventricular fibrillation to the local emergency control center is described. Through the intervention of the wearer's device, the activated dispatcher called the patient's wife, who found her husband lying unresponsive on the floor. Emergency medical services responded immediately and were able to successfully resuscitate the patient. A hospital discharge without any long-term complications was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Grautoff
- Emergency Medical Services Physician Medical Director, District of Herford, Amtshausstr. 3, 32051, Herford, Germany.
- Emergency Department, Herford Hospital, Campus OWL, Ruhr-University Bochum, Herford, Germany.
| | - Michael Watol
- Emergency Department, Herford Hospital, Campus OWL, Ruhr-University Bochum, Herford, Germany
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Abstract
This case report presents the electrocardiogram findings of a patient in their 50s with syncope and palpitation and amaurosis followed by loss of consciousness for several minutes without preceding position change, cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liugang Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhangjiagang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhangjiagang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailei Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Tanguay A, Lebon J, Hébert D. Early prediction of ventricular fibrillation using electrocardiographic characteristics in prehospital suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a case-control study. CAN J EMERG MED 2023; 25:728-735. [PMID: 37572268 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-023-00565-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our objective was to determine characteristics of electrocardiograms (ECG) that predict ventricular fibrillation (VF) among prehospital patients with suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Québec. METHODS We performed a matched case-control study of prehospital adult suspected with STEMI. Patients in case group (STEMI/VF+) were matched with controls (STEMI/VF-) for age and sex and then compared for ECG characteristics, including ST-segment elevations (STE) and depressions (STD), duration of interval complexes, general characteristics, and several calculated variables. Logistic regression was used to measure the association between ECG characteristics and VF development. RESULTS Overall, 310 prehospital patients with suspected STEMI were included in the analysis (case group, n = 155; control group, n = 155). We confirmed that the presence of TW-pattern complex (OR 7.0, 95% CI 1.55-31.58), premature ventricular contraction (PVC) (OR 5.5, 95% CI 2.04-14.82), and STE in V2-V6 (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.21-11.74) were electrocardiographic predictors of VF. We also observed that STD in V3-V5 (OR 6.5, 95% CI 1.42-29.39), atrial fibrillation (AF) ≥ 100 beats per minute (bpm) (OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.80-21.90), the combination of STE in V4 and V5, and STD in II, III and aVF (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.01-22.35), and the presence of STD in ≥ 6 leads (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.33-13.13) were also associated with VF development. Finally, simultaneous association of 2 (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.13-4.06) and 3 (OR 11.6, 95% CI 3.22-41.66) predictors showed significant association with VF. CONCLUSIONS In addition to some already known predictors, we have identified several ECG findings associated with the development of VF in patients with suspected STEMI. Early identification of patients with STEMI at increased risk of VF should help EMS providers anticipate adverse events and encourage use of defibrillation pads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Tanguay
- Unité de Coordination Clinique des Services Préhospitaliers d'Urgence (UCCSPU), Lévis, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CISSS Chaudières-Appalaches, Lévis, QC, Canada
| | - Johann Lebon
- Unité de Coordination Clinique des Services Préhospitaliers d'Urgence (UCCSPU), Lévis, QC, Canada.
- Centre de Recherche du CISSS Chaudières-Appalaches, Lévis, QC, Canada.
| | - Denise Hébert
- Unité de Coordination Clinique des Services Préhospitaliers d'Urgence (UCCSPU), Lévis, QC, Canada
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Elikowski W, Szczęśniewski P, Fertała N, Zawodna-Marszałek M, Albrecht J, Żytkiewicz M. SHARK FIN ECG PATTERN IN A PATIENT WITH TAKOTSUBO SYNDROME - CASE STUDY AND LITERATURE REVIEW. POLSKI MERKURIUSZ LEKARSKI : ORGAN POLSKIEGO TOWARZYSTWA LEKARSKIEGO 2023; 51:575-580. [PMID: 38069861 DOI: 10.36740/merkur202305119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Shark fin or triangular QRS-ST-T waveform ECG pattern, also known as lambda-wave ST elevation or giant R wave syndrome, is a particular ECG presentation where QRS complex, ST-segment and T-wave are fused in a unique complex. Originally described in some patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during the acute phase, it has been found to be associated with a high risk of ventricular fibrillation and cardiogenic shock as well as with a high in-hospital mortality. However, shark fin ECG pattern has also been reported in patients with non-acute coronary syndrome related ST-elevation (NASTEP), including stress-induced takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Fourteen such cases (all females) have been reported so far. The authors present a case of a 56-year-old male with shark fin ECG pattern associated with TTS triggered by burn injuries of head, back, upper, lower limbs and the respiratory tract. Due to respiratory insufficiency and heart failure with hemodynamic compromise, he required mechanical ventilation and catecholamines use. Echocardiography showed apical and midventricular akinesia with left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain reduced to 30% and -6.8%, respectively and a high segmental post-systolic index. Shark fin pattern maintained within 2 days, then ST-T evolution was observed. Echocardiographic improvement followed by almost normalization were seen after 6 and 9 days, respectively. No cardiac arrhythmias were recorded as in most of the described cases with shark fin ECG and TTS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Natalia Fertała
- DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, JÓZEF STRUŚ HOSPITAL, POZNAŃ, POLAND
| | | | | | - Marcin Żytkiewicz
- DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, JÓZEF STRUŚ HOSPITAL, POZNAŃ, POLAND
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Duca ȘT, Chetran A, Miftode RȘ, Mitu O, Costache AD, Nicolae A, Iliescu-Halițchi D, Halițchi-Iliescu CO, Mitu F, Costache II. Myocardial Ischemia in Patients with COVID-19 Infection: Between Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Electrocardiographic Findings. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12071015. [PMID: 35888103 PMCID: PMC9318430 DOI: 10.3390/life12071015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the possible pathophysiological links between myocardial ischemia and SARS-CoV-2 infection, several studies have focused attention on acute coronary syndromes in order to improve patients’ morbidity and mortality. Understanding the pathophysiological aspects of myocardial ischemia in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 can open a broad perspective on the proper management for each patient. The electrocardiogram (ECG) remains the easiest assessment of cardiac involvement in COVID-19 patients, due to its non-invasive profile, accessibility, low cost, and lack of radiation. The ECG changes provide insight into the patient’s prognosis, indicating either the worsening of an underlying cardiac illnesses or the acute direct injury by the virus. This indicates that the ECG is an important prognostic tool that can affect the outcome of COVID-19 patients, which important to correlate its aspects with the clinical characteristics and patient’s medical history. The ECG changes in myocardial ischemia include a broad spectrum in patients with COVID-19 with different cases reported of ST-segment elevation, ST-segment depression, and T wave inversion, which are associated with severe COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ștefania Teodora Duca
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700145 Iasi, Romania; (Ș.T.D.); (R.Ș.M.); (O.M.); (A.D.C.); (A.N.); (D.I.-H.); (F.M.); (I.I.C.)
- Department of Cardiology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency County Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Adriana Chetran
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700145 Iasi, Romania; (Ș.T.D.); (R.Ș.M.); (O.M.); (A.D.C.); (A.N.); (D.I.-H.); (F.M.); (I.I.C.)
- Department of Cardiology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency County Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-741089910
| | - Radu Ștefan Miftode
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700145 Iasi, Romania; (Ș.T.D.); (R.Ș.M.); (O.M.); (A.D.C.); (A.N.); (D.I.-H.); (F.M.); (I.I.C.)
- Department of Cardiology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency County Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Mitu
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700145 Iasi, Romania; (Ș.T.D.); (R.Ș.M.); (O.M.); (A.D.C.); (A.N.); (D.I.-H.); (F.M.); (I.I.C.)
- Department of Cardiology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency County Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandru Dan Costache
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700145 Iasi, Romania; (Ș.T.D.); (R.Ș.M.); (O.M.); (A.D.C.); (A.N.); (D.I.-H.); (F.M.); (I.I.C.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ana Nicolae
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700145 Iasi, Romania; (Ș.T.D.); (R.Ș.M.); (O.M.); (A.D.C.); (A.N.); (D.I.-H.); (F.M.); (I.I.C.)
- Department of Cardiology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency County Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Dan Iliescu-Halițchi
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700145 Iasi, Romania; (Ș.T.D.); (R.Ș.M.); (O.M.); (A.D.C.); (A.N.); (D.I.-H.); (F.M.); (I.I.C.)
- Department of Cardiology, Arcadia Hospital, 700620 Iasi, Romania
| | - Codruța-Olimpiada Halițchi-Iliescu
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine-Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- Department of Pedriatics, Arcadia Hospital, 700620 Iasi, Romania
| | - Florin Mitu
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700145 Iasi, Romania; (Ș.T.D.); (R.Ș.M.); (O.M.); (A.D.C.); (A.N.); (D.I.-H.); (F.M.); (I.I.C.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Irina Iuliana Costache
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700145 Iasi, Romania; (Ș.T.D.); (R.Ș.M.); (O.M.); (A.D.C.); (A.N.); (D.I.-H.); (F.M.); (I.I.C.)
- Department of Cardiology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency County Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
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