The EKG is easy to obtain and is certainly useful to potentially exclude or uncover other etiologies of chest pain. Furthermore, an EKG can aid in diagnosis or at least increase suspicion or PE as well as provide prognostic data on an already diagnosed PE. This week we dive into the data regarding EKG analysis in PE.
Posts filed under Cardiovascular
The PESIT Trial: Not all first time syncope needs testing for PE
We do not doubt that PE can be a factor in syncope, but we have concerns over possible over testing for PE among undifferentiated syncope patients secondary to the PESIT study conclusions.
Methadone Induced Torsades
Torsades de Pointes (Tdp) is a term that is often used synonymously with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT) but it is important to understand the differences. This week we take a deep dive into an interesting case of Tdp with expert commentary by Amal Mattu!
Ask The Expert: Acute Right Ventricular Failure in the ED
This post will introduce key concepts regarding the pathophysiology of RV failure and provide you with answers to high yield questions in management of these difficult patients.
LVAD Management In The ED
Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) are surgically implanted pumps that essentially “take over” the job of the failing left ventricle, restoring normal blood flow to the body. While they sound complicated, learning a few key pearls can help you successfully management LVAD patients in your emergency department.
The New And Improved Valsalva: The Revert Trial
Consider upgrading your Valsalva manoeuvre for supraventricular tachycardia. Don't believe it will work? Read our analysis of the REVERT trial for yourself and let us know what you think!
Journal Club: Coronary CT Angiography Versus Traditional Care
Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA) has shown promise in three major randomized controlled trials evaluating its safety in risk-stratifying low- to intermediate-risk patients. Additionally, CCTA-based screening was shown to increase rate of discharge directly from the ED, and decreased length of stay. The study discussed in this Journal Club Review contributes to the growing body of evidence regarding use of CCTA and its role in screening patients with lower risk chest pain.
Myocarditis in the ED
Myocarditis is an inflammatory change of the heart muscle and an important differential diagnosis for patients presenting with non-specific symptoms such as low grade fever, fatigue, malaise, dyspnea on exertion, palpitations, and/or chest pain in the ED.
The Achy Breaky Heart
In 1990, only two years before singer Billy Ray Cyrus revealed his cardiac myocytes to be “achy breaky”, Japanese scientists first described a pathophysiologic mechanism for a common condition which has, for centuries, plagued philosophers and poets, cardiologists and lyricists alike: the broken heart.
The Utility of D-Dimer in Non-Traumatic Aortic Dissection
Acute aortic dissection is a potentially catastrophic cardiovascular disease, and is a somewhat rare but exceedingly important diagnosis to make. A low-risk, cost-efficient diagnostic test with the ability to reliably exclude this disease would be useful. Is the D-dimer that test?