The Use of Echocardiography in Certified Chest Pain Units: Results from the German Chest Pain Unit Registry

Cardiology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 134 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Breuckmann ◽  
Matthias Hochadel ◽  
Thomas Voigtländer ◽  
Michael Haude ◽  
Claus Schmitt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chest Pain ◽  
Systolic Function ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Acute Chest Pain ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
St Segment Elevation ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
St Segment ◽  
Invasive Management

Objectives: To analyze the current usage of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as a rapid, noninvasive tool in the early stratification of acute chest pain in certified German chest pain units (CPUs). Methods: A total of 23,997 patients were enrolled. Analyses comprised TTE evaluation rates in relation to clinical presentation, risk profile, left ventricular impairment, final diagnosis and invasive management. Critical times were assessed. Multivariable analyses for independent determinants for the use of TTE were performed. Results: TTE evaluation was available in CPUs in 70.1% of cases. It was associated with lower rates of invasive management in unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and with higher rates in patients with initially suspected non-cardiac origin of symptoms and/or reduced systolic function (p < 0.05). Non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) was an independent determinant favoring TTE evaluation [NSTE-myocardial infarction: odds ratio (OR) 1.62; UAP: OR 1.34; p < 0.001 for both]. Clinical signs of heart failure (OR 1.31; p < 0.001), referral by emergency medical service (OR 1.18; p < 0.001) and kidney failure (OR 1.16; p < 0.05) were independently associated with higher TTE rates. TTE did not delay door-to-balloon times. Conclusions: About two thirds of the patients admitted to certified CPUs received TTE evaluation, with the highest rates being in ACS patients, and thereby providing diagnostic information supporting or refuting further invasive management.

Postoperative takotsubo cardiomyopathy: an illustration of the electrocardiographic features that raise suspicion for takotsubo

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesham R Omar ◽  
James Fairbairn ◽  
Hany D Abdelmalak ◽  
Maja Delibasic ◽  
Enrico M Camporesi
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Systolic Function ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cardiac Biomarkers ◽  
St Segment Elevation ◽  
Clinical Disorder ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction ◽  
St Segment

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an increasingly recognized clinical disorder mimicking acute coronary syndrome. It is usually preceded by physical or emotional stress and recovery of the left ventricular systolic function occurs in most cases within 1–4 weeks. Takotsubo cardiomypathy can masquerade as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction when chest pain, ST-segment elevation, and high cardiac biomarkers coexist. ST-segment elevation is encountered in approximately half of the cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy and its pattern is indistinguishable at times from ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. However, several electrocardiographic criteria have been shown to characterize takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Awareness of these electrocardiographic features has several diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Nevertheless, these electrocardiographic criteria alone cannot reliably differentiate between both entities, and the diagnosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy is only established after coronary angiography confirms the absence of occlusive coronary artery disease and the characteristic apical ballooning is evident on left ventriculogram (in the case of the apical form). Herein, we present a case of postoperative takotsubo cardiomyopathy and discuss the various electrocardiographic features that raise suspicion for this transient cardiac syndrome.

scholarly journals To Be or Not to Be … Acute Coronary Syndrome

2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 363-367
Author(s):  
Pintilie Irina ◽  
Scridon Alina ◽  
Șerban Răzvan Constantin
Keyword(s):  
Chest Pain ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Enzyme Inhibitor ◽  
Acute Myocarditis ◽  
Ventricular Myocardium ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Myocardium ◽  
St Segment Elevation ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
St Segment

AbstractIntroduction: The association between ST segment abnormalities, elevated cardiac enzymes, and chest pain is usually a marker of acute coronary injury. However, certain other pathologies can sometimes mimic acute coronary syndromes.Case report: A 40-year-old Caucasian male, former smoker, with no other cardiovascular risk factors, presented to the Emergency Department for typical ischemic, prolonged chest pain. The ECG demonstrated inverted T waves in leads I, II, aVL, and V3 to V6. The patient presented high cardiac necrosis markers (troponin I 2.65 ng/ml). Based on these findings, the case was interpreted as non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, but coronary angiography excluded the presence of significant coronary lesions. The ventriculography showed an efficient left ventricle, with mild hypokinesia of the two apical thirds of the anterior left ventricular wall. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated areas of hypersignal on the T2-weighted imaging sequence in the left ventricular myocardium, suggestive for acute myocarditis. The patient was started on antiplatelet, beta-blocker, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, with favorable evolution.Conclusion: This case underlines the polymorphic appearance of acute myocarditis, which can often mimic an acute coronary event.

scholarly journals Analysis of risk factors for different subtypes of acute coronary syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 030006052110083
Author(s):  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Juledezi Hailati ◽  
Xiaoyun Ma ◽  
Jiangping Liu ◽  
Zhiqiang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Brain Natriuretic Peptide ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
St Segment Elevation ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction ◽  
St Segment

Aims To investigate the different risk factors among different subtypes of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods A total of 296 patients who had ACS were retrospectively enrolled. Blood and echocardiographic indices were assessed within 24 hours after admission. Differences in risk factors and Gensini scores of coronary lesions among three groups were analyzed. Results Univariate analysis of risk factors for ACS subtypes showed that age, and levels of fasting plasma glucose, amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and creatine kinase isoenzyme were significantly higher in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) than in those with unstable angina pectoris (UAP). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were related to ACS subtypes. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was an independent risk factor for UAP and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) subtypes. The severity of coronary stenosis was significantly higher in NSTEMI and STEMI than in UAP. Gensini scores in the STEMI group were positively correlated with D-dimer levels (r = 0.429) and negatively correlated with the LVEF (r = −0.602). Conclusion Different subtypes of ACS have different risk factors. Our findings may have important guiding significance for ACS subtype risk assessment and clinical treatment.

Predictors of short-term outcome in acute chest pain without ST-segment elevation

2003 ◽  
Vol 92 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 193-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Sanchis ◽  
Vicent Bodı́ ◽  
Ángel Llácer ◽  
Lorenzo Facila ◽  
Julio Núñez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chest Pain ◽  
Acute Chest Pain ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
St Segment Elevation ◽  
Short Term Outcome ◽  
St Segment

scholarly journals Takotsubo Syndrome: Contemporary Views on the Pathogenesis, Prevalence and Prognosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 598-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. Shilova ◽  
A. O. Shmotkina ◽  
A. A. Yafarova ◽  
M. Yu. Gilyarov
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Predisposition ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Myocardial Dysfunction ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Takotsubo Syndrome ◽  
St Segment Elevation ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
St Segment ◽  
Reversible Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a reversible left ventricular dysfunction characterized by local apical hypokinesia usually triggered by a physical or emotional stress. According to the last available data TTS may represent 2% of all admissions for acute coronary syndromes. Despite the reliable prevalence, diagnosis of TTS remains difficult. The initial presentation, both clinically and electrocardiographically, is similar to an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The biomarker profile is also similar, although the peaks of troponin and creatinine kinase levels are lower, and brain natriuretic peptide levels are higher in patients with TTS compared with ST-segment elevation AMI. Modified Mayo diagnostic criteria are the most common for the diagnosis. Pathogenesis of TTS currently is not well understood. Catecholamines appear to play a central role in the pathophysiology of TTS. However, it is conceivable that some people have a genetic predisposition to stress-induced TTS. A genetic predisposition has been suggested based on the few familial TTS cases described. Despite reversible myocardial dysfunction, acute heart failure is the most common complication in the acute phase of TTS. In-hospital mortality rate is comparable to that of ST-segment elevation AMI. There are no randomized clinical trials to support specific treatment recommendations in TTS. It is believed that the tactics of managing patients with TTS hospitalized with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome should comply with the protocol of management of patients with AMI while acute coronary pathology is not excluded.

Abstract 16639: Low Yield of Additional Non-invasive Testing in Moderate Worst Stenosis by cCTA in Acute Chest Pain Patients - Results From a Clinical ED cCTA Registry

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumbal A Janjua ◽  
Harshna V Vadvala ◽  
Pedro V Staziaki ◽  
Richard A Takx ◽  
Anand M Prabhakar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Unstable Angina ◽  
Acute Chest Pain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Fractional Flow ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Lipid Rich Plaque ◽  
Pain Patients

Introduction: Coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA) allows efficient triage of low-intermediate risk patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS); appropriate management of patients with moderate stenosis by cCTA is unknown. We evaluated the yield of downstream testing in moderate stenosis patients in a clinical ED cCTA registry. Methods: All consecutive ED patients with acute chest pain undergoing cCTA as part of routine care between October 2012 and July 2014 were screened. Patients with moderate as their worst stenosis (50-69% stenosis) on cCTA were included. Plaque characteristics, resting left ventricular function (by cCTA), results of any functional downstream non-invasive testing, invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and interventions, and discharge diagnosis were reported. ACS was defined as acute myocardial infarction (MI) or unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and adjudicated by an independent committee. Ischemia was defined as clear, territorial abnormality by myocardial perfusion scintigraphy imaging (MPI) or rest or stress echocardiogram, significant dynamic ST-T shift by exercise treadmill test (ETT) and stenosis >70% on ICA or fractional flow reserve (FFR) <0.75. Results: 586 patients underwent cCTA, with 7.2% (n=42) deemed moderate stenosis. Rate of ACS was 14.2% (n=6) with all adjudicated as UAP. Of these, 83% had stenosis caused by lipid-rich plaque; 33% had wall motion abnormalities on cCTA. The majority (n=28; 66%) underwent downstream non-invasive testing. Overall, n=2 (6%) of the non-invasive tests were positive for ischemia while n=3 (42%) of the invasive tests were diagnosed as positive for ischemia (all revascularized) (Figure 1). Conclusions: Unstable angina but not myocardial infarction is frequent among acute chest pain patients with moderate stenosis by cCTA. cCTA findings of lipid-rich plaque and resting functional abnormalities had a relatively higher yield vs. other non-invasive tests to detect ischemia.

Abstract 15848: Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on D2B Activations in a Single, Tertiary Care, Urban Medical Center in the United States

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Lavenburg ◽  
Michael Gannon ◽  
Brian O'Murchu ◽  
Vladimir Lakhter ◽  
Deborah L Crabbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chest Pain ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Mechanical Circulatory Support ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Acute Chest Pain ◽  
Fluoroscopy Time ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Circulatory Support ◽  
St Segment Elevation ◽  
St Segment

Introduction: Initial reports suggest that patients may delay seeking medical attention during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Our aim was to determine if the COVID-19 outbreak is associated with a higher incidence of late presentations for patients with STEMI, greater need for mechanical circulatory support and PCI. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients that presented to a single, academic medical center with acute chest pain and ST-segment elevation on ECG from March 15 through June 17 in years 2019 and 2020. All patients were referred for emergent coronary angiography and the final cohort consisted of 32 patients. Medical records were reviewed to determine time between symptom onset and hospital arrival, need for PCI and/or mechanical circulatory support, total fluoroscopy time and volume of contrast administration during catheterization. Results: There was no significant difference in age, gender, cardiac risk factors or history of CAD between the cohorts that presented in 2019 compared with 2020 (Table 1). The mean time from symptom onset to arrival in the ED was 6.5 ± 8 and 9.2 ± 17 hours in 2019 and 2020 (p=0.55), respectively. PCI was performed during the index catheterization in 5 (50%) and 21 (95%) patients in 2019 and 2020 (p=0.01), respectively. Mean volume of contrast media used per case was 142 ± 65 ml in 2019 and 237 ± 104 ml in 2020 (p=0.017). There was a trend towards greater need for mechanical circulatory support and total fluoroscopy time during cases in 2020 (Table 1). Conclusions: In patients with suspected STEMI during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a trend towards longer duration between symptom onset and arrival to the ED. More patients presenting with ST-segment elevation required PCI and there was a trend towards greater utilization of mechanical circulatory support. These findings may reflect a decline in access to outpatient services and/or delays in patients seeking care for acute chest pain.

scholarly journals Study of Cardiac Troponin I level in Acute Coronary Syndrome and its correlation with Left Ventricular Systolic Function

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
Mohammad Jakir Hossain ◽  
Khondoker Asaduzzaman ◽  
Solaiman Hossain ◽  
Muhammad Badrul Alam ◽  
Nur Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Cardiac Troponin ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Systolic Function ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cardiac Troponin I ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Coronary Syndrome

Background: In the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, cardiac troponin I is highly reliable and widely available biomarker. Serum level of cardiac troponin I is related to amount of myocardial damage and also closely relates to infarct size. Our aim of the study is to find out the relationship between cardiac troponin I and left ventricular systolic function after acute coronary syndrome. Methods: Total of 132 acute coronary syndrome patients were included in this study after admission in coronary care unit of Sir Salimullah Medical College, Mitford Hospital. Troponin I level was measured at admission and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured by echocardiography between 12-48 hours of onset of chest pain. Results: There was negative correlation between Troponin I at 12 to 48 hours of chest pain with LVEF in these study patients. With a cutoff value of troponin I e”6.8 ng/ml in STEMI patients there is a significant negative relation between 12 to 48 hrs troponin I and LVEF (p<0.001). Sensitivity of troponin I e” 6.8 ng/ml between 12 to 48 hours of chest pain in predicting LVEF <50% in STEMI was 93.75% and specificity was 77.78%. In NSTEMI sensitivity of troponin I e” 4.5 ng/ml between 12 to 48 hours of chest pain in predicting LVEF <50% was 65% and specificity was 54.05%. Conclusion: Serum troponin I level had a strong negative correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction after acute coronary syndrome and hence can be used to predict the LVEF in this setting. Cardiovasc. j. 2019; 12(1): 24-29

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