Postoperative electrocardiography changes: To worry or not to worry.

Abnormal postoperative electrocardiograms are not uncommon, oftentimes leading to further cardiac workup especially when the findings are new and not easily explainable. A forty-year-old woman, with a history of left breast cancer status post bilateral mastectomies and reconstructions, presented for robot-assisted low-anterior resection secondary to rectal cancer. Postoperative electrocardiogram showed poor R wave progression, biphasic T waves in V2-4, and possible anterior wall ischemia. Her electrocardiogram from 6 years ago was normal. No recent electrocardiogram was available for comparison. Initially, the abnormal postoperative electrocardiogram appeared worrisome. However, the patient was completely asymptomatic, and all vital signs were normal. Cardiac point-of-care ultrasound showed normal parasternal long and short axis views. The biphasic T waves in V2-4 were suggestive of Wellens syndrome, but the accompanying poor R wave progression was not consistent with the diagnostic criteria. The anesthesiologist then remembered the patient's history of the presence of a left breast implant and suspected it might have caused the changes on the electrocardiogram. A literature search did find one publication that shows approximately 45% of patients with breast implants present with electrocardiogram changes, including poor R wave progression and negative T waves. Therefore, no further cardiac workup was ordered for our patient. She was discharged home 3 days later. Breast implants and electrocardiogram changes are a lesser-known topic. Obtaining a pre-operative electrocardiogram should be considered in patients with previous breast implants, to serve as a baseline for comparison if the patient were to need another electrocardiogram in the future.

An unusual cause of giant T waves.

In the acute care setting, the two most common causes of giant upright T waves include hyperkalemia and the very early phase of acute myocardial infarction (MI). The former is characterized by narrow based and peaked T waves. The giant T waves of early MI, also called "hyperacute T waves," are usually more broad-based. The general recommendation is to consider hyperacute T waves a form of occlusion MI, and to proceed with emergent cardiac catheterization and revascularization. In this report, we present the case of a young man with cocaine toxicity and status epilepticus where the initial electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrated giant T waves. Both hyperkalemia and coronary occlusion were ruled out. Within a few hours, the ECG spontaneously normalized. Review of the literature revealed that although uncommon, acute cerebral events including seizures can cause transient giant T waves. When giant T waves are noted in association with a cerebral event, emergent cardiac catheterization may not be warranted.

Short-term prognostic value of clinical data in hospitalized patients with intermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Intermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism (APE) patients are usually defined as hemodynamically stable, comprehending a great therapeutic dilemma. Although anticoagulation therapy is sufficient for most intermediate-risk APE patients, some patients can deteriorate and eventually require a systemic fibrinolytic agent or thrombectomy. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of differences in clinical data for the short-term prognosis of intermediate-risk APE patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 74 intermediate-risk APE patients confirmed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography was analyzed in the present study. Adverse clinical event outcomes included PE-related in-hospital deaths, critical systolic blood pressure consistently under 90 mmHg, refractory to volume loading and vasopressor infusion requirements, mechanical ventilation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The APE patients were stratified into two groups: adverse outcome (n = 25) and control (n = 49) groups. Then, the clinical data of the two groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to explore the predictive value of white blood cell (WBC) counts and the right to left ventricular short-axis (RV/LV) ratio. Model calibration was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistic. RESULTS: The brain natriuretic peptide, WBC count, and the RV/LV ratio were higher in patients with adverse outcomes compared to controls. The APE patients with adverse outcomes presented significantly higher rates of syncope, Negative T waves (NTW) in V1-V3, intermediate-high risk, thrombolytic therapy, and low arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) compared to controls. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the SaO2 < 90%, [odds ratio (OR) 5.343, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.241-23.008; p = 0.024], RV/LV ratio (OR 7.429, 95% CI 1.145-48.209; p = 0.036), Syncope (OR 12.309, 95% CI 1.702-89.032; p = 0.013), NTW in V1-V3 (OR 5.617, 95% CI 1.228-25.683; p = 0.026), and WBC count (OR 1.212, 95% CI 1.035-1.419; p = 0.017) were independent predictors of in-hospital adverse outcomes among APE patients. The ROC curve analysis indicated that the RV/LV ratio can be used to predict adverse outcomes (AUC = 0.748, p < 0.01) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test, p = 0.070). Moreover, an RV/LV ratio > 1.165 was predictive of adverse outcomes with sensitivity and specificity of 88.00 and 59.20%, respectively. The WBC counts were also able to predict adverse outcomes (AUC = 0.752, p < 0.01) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test, p = 0.251). A WBC count > 9.05 was predictive of adverse outcomes with sensitivity and specificity of 68.00 and 73.50%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, a SaO2 < 90%, RV/LV ratio, Syncope, NTW in V1-V3, and WBC counts could independently predict adverse outcomes in hospitalized intermediate-risk APE patients.

Prognostic significance of a low T/R ratio in Brugada syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prognostic value of a low T/R ratio, defined as the amplitude ratio between the T waves and the R waves, in patients (pts) with a spontaneous type-1 Brugada pattern (SBT1). BACKGROUND: Abnormalities of myocardial repolarization may play a key role in the initiation of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in Brugada syndrome (BrS). Recent studies have shown that the height of the T waves and the T/R ratio are inversely proportional to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) risk in early repolarization syndrome and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: In an international retrospective study, we reviewed 115 pts. (105 males, 91.3%). 45 had VF and/or SCA (38.7 ±â€¯11.5 years old, all males), while 70 (49.3 ±â€¯12.0 years, 10 women) remained free of ventricular arrhythmia. 6 ECG markers plus the T/R ratio in leads V5 & II were studied. RESULTS: The T/R ratio among leads II & V5 was significantly lower in the VF/SCA group (0.24 [0.14; 0.38]vs. 0.34 [0.24; 0.45]; p = 0.006). 44.4% of pts. in the VF/SCA group had a lowest T/R ratio among leads II & V5 ≤ 0.17 compared to 11.4% in the non-VF/SCA group (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, a lowest T/R ratio among leads II & V5 ≤ 0.17 was independently associated with VF/SCA (OR 6.10, 95% CI 1.92-19.40; p = 0.002). Type 1 Brugada pattern in the peripheral leads (OR 10.78) and early repolarization (OR 3.60) were other independent markers of VF/SCA. CONCLUSION: A low T/R ratio among leads II & V5 is an independent marker for VF/SCA risk in patients with type-1 Brugada pattern.

T-Wave Indices and Atherosclerosis.

Tpeak-Tend interval, the time difference between the peak and the end of the T-wave, reflects the degree of dispersion of repolarization. Its prolongation has been associated with higher risks of developing ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in different pro-arrhythmic conditions such as Brugada and long QT syndromes. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview on how Tpeak-Tend is altered in different atherosclerotic conditions such as hypertension, stable coronary artery disease, acute coronary obstruction, and coronary slow flow as well as inflammatory diseases affecting the arterial tree. We will explore its relationship with arterial function and dysfunction, ventricular remodeling, and arrhythmic and mortality outcomes. The published literature shows that patients with coronary atherosclerosis, whether in the form of stable coronary artery disease, chronic total occlusion, slow flow, or acute coronary obstruction, have prolonged Tpeak-Tend intervals and Tpeak-Tend/QT ratios. These can be used to predict the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. They also correlate with the extent and severity of arterial stenosis and structural remodeling of the ventricles as well as arterial function and dysfunction. Finally, they can be normalized following revascularization and may therefore be used as a surrogate measure of treatment success.

Pseudo-Wellens' syndrome and intermittent left bundle branch block in acute cholecystitis.

We present a case of a 54-year-old male patient who was admitted to our Emergency Department (ED) with localized epigastric pain. Inflammation markers, ultrasound, and CT scan were inconsistent with an initial diagnosis of cholecystitis. However, there was additional evidence of cholecystolithiasis. The ECG showed new anterior biphasic T waves typical for a Wellens' type A ECG. Additionally, the patient had an intermittent left bundle branch block (LBBB). The diagnostic challenges in differentiating possible diagnoses will be described, to which in this case, were either acute cholecystitis or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A laparoscopic study confirmed acute cholecystitis. Coronary angiography showed no pathological processes associated with ACS. ECG abnormalities were initially ongoing, but were no longer detectable during an 8month follow up assessment.

Reference values of ECG parameters derived from 906 echocardiographically confirmed healthy Indian children: A population-based study from Gujarat.

INTRODUCTION: There are few published studies on reference ranges of ECG parameters in children; some ethnic differences have been described. METHODS: We studied digital 12­lead ECGs (1000 samples/s) from 906 healthy rural Indian children (467 boys: 439 girls) aged 5-15 years. PR, QRS, and QT were measured using superimposed median beat. Age-wise normal limits (median, 2nd and 98th percentile) were defined. RESULTS: Heart rate decreased while PR interval and QRS duration increased with age. QTcB interval remained unchanged from 5 to 12 years and decreased thereafter due to QTcB shortening in boys but not in girls. "Juvenile T wave pattern" was seen in 95% of children aged 5-8 years in lead V1 and 55-60% in V2, V3; it decreased with age. RV dominance (R/S > 1) in lead V1 was seen in 13% at 5 years, 1% at 10 years and none at 14 years. CONCLUSION: Reference ranges in Indian children are similar to those in other ethnic groups.

Chest pain with giant global T wave inversions and extreme QT prolongation.

Negative T waves in electrocardiography have been widely studied. We presents a case of Wellens' syndrome which is a pattern of global inverted T waves with QT prolongation on ECG due to transient proximal LAD occlusion and pointed out other differential diagnosis.

Negative concordant T waves during paced ventricular rhythm: An honest enemy is better than a false friend.

The ECG diagnosis of myocardial infarction and ischemia in pacemaker patients is often challenging. The three criteria, proposed by Sgarbossa et al. in 1996, useful to suspect myocardial ischaemia in patient with left bundle branch block were demonstrated to be valid also in pacemaker patients. In the last years, concordant negative T waves in patients with ventricular paced rhythm were linked to various expressions of acute myocardial injury. If available, comparison with previous ECG is crucial. Partial persistence of cardiac memory during fusion beats created an anomalous concordance between negative T waves and QRS axis and could induce erroneous suspicions. AV delay modification could help to unmask this situation.

A case of intracardiac echinococcosis.

We describe a case of multisystemic cystic echinococcosis exhibiting intracardiac involvement. A lesion inside the lateral wall of the left ventricle induced negative T waves on leads V5 and V6.

Relationship between T-wave inversion and transmural myocardial edema as evidenced by cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with clinically suspected acute myocarditis: clinical and prognostic implications.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiologic mechanisms and the prognostic meaning of electrocardiographic (ECG) T-wave inversion (TWI) occurring in a subgroup of patients with clinically suspected acute myocarditis remain to be elucidated. Contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) offers the potential to identify myocardial tissue changes such as edema and/or fibrosis which may underlie TWI. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 76 consecutive patients (median age 34years) with clinically suspected acute myocarditis, using a comprehensive CMR protocol which included T2 weighted sequences for myocardial edema. At the time of CMR, TWI was observed in 21 (27%) patients. There was a statistically significant association of TWI with the median number of left ventricular (LV) segments showing both any pattern of myocardial edema (transmural and non-transmural) [5 (3-7) vs. 3 (2-4); p=0.015] and myocardial late-gadolinium-enhancement [4 (3-7) vs. 3 (2-4); p=0.002]. Transmural myocardial edema involving ≥2 LV segments was found in 17/21 (81%) patients with TWI versus 13/55 (24%) patients without TWI (p<0.001) and remained the only independent predictor of TWI at multivariable analysis (OR=9.96; 95%CI=2.71-36.6; p=0.001). Overall, topographic concordance between the location of TWI across the ECG leads and the regional distribution of transmural myocardial edema was 88%. There was no association between acute TWI and reduced LV ejection fraction (<55%) at 6-months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate an association between LV transmural myocardial edema as evidenced by CMR sequences and TWI in clinically suspected acute myocarditis. As an expression of reversible myocardial edema, development of TWI during the acute disease phase was not a predictor of LV systolic dysfunction at follow-up.

Wellens syndrome caused by spasm of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery.

Electrocardiographic characteristics of Wellens syndrome (WS) consist of deeply inverted T waves or biphasic T waves in anterior precordial leads. Studies have shown that patients with WS have critical stenosis or complete obstruction of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and high risk for the development of extensive anterior myocardial infarction. Here, we reported a case presenting with WS and with a small plaque in the proximal LAD and slow flow in the LAD other than significant stenosis of the proximal LAD detected by coronary angiography. The mechanisms for WS of our case are discussed.

Pseudo-hyperacute T Waves in a Giant Hiatal Hernia.

An 89-year-old woman with a giant hiatal hernia complained of persistent chest pain. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed hyperacute T waves, suggesting the early phase of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. After endoscopic drainage for hiatal hernia, the chest pain disappeared, and the ECG abnormalities resolved. The present case illustrates that compression of the heart by a giant hiatal hernia can induce T wave elevation mimicking acute coronary syndrome.

Predicting apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using T-wave inversion: Three case reports.

BACKGROUND: Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHCM) is a subtype of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Due to its location, the thickening of the left ventricular apex can be missed on echocardiography. Giant negative T waves (GNTs) in left-sided chest leads are the hallmark electrocardiogram (ECG) change of AHCM. CASE SUMMARY: The first patient was a 68-year-old woman complaining of recurrent chest tightness persisting for more than 3 years. The second was a 59-year-old man complaining of spasmodic chest tightness persisting for more than 2 years. The third was a 55-year-old woman complaining of recurrent chest pain persisting for 4 mo. In all three cases, GNTs were observed several years prior to apical cardiac hypertrophy after other causes of T-wave inversion were ruled out. CONCLUSION: Electrophysiological abnormalities of AHCM appear earlier than structural abnormalities, confirming the early predictive value of ECG for AHCM.

Cardiac Memory T-wave Inversions Noted with Ventricular Pacing: A Possible Electrocardiographic Marker of Appropriate Conduction System Pacing.

Cardiac memory is a common condition occurring after a period of abnormal depolarization, such as with right ventricular apical pacing. With restoration of normal conduction, the T-wave "remembers" the direction of the QRS vector of the previously aberrantly conducted complexes, creating diffusely inverted T-waves on the electrocardiogram. The presence of diffuse T-wave inversions with this phenomenon may be confused with myocardial ischemia and may continue to be present for several weeks after restoration of normal conduction. Here, an interesting electrocardiogram obtained after pacemaker implantation showing the opposite effect, ie, the finding of memory T-waves occurring during pacing after a period of intrinsic atrioventricular nodal conduction, is presented. In this case, the patient had an underlying left bundle branch block, which subsequently normalized as a result of conduction system pacing. The memory T-waves became evident after pacing was performed, suggesting a potential marker for restoration of the normal ventricular activation sequence with left bundle branch pacing and normalization of the baseline intraventricular conduction defect.

Independent Detection of T-Waves in Single Lead ECG Signal Using Continuous Wavelet Transform.

INTRODUCTION: In the ECG signals, T-waves play a very important role in the detection of cardiac arrest. During myocardial ischemia, the first significant change occurs on the T-wave. These waves are generated due to the repolarization of the heart ventricle. The independent detection of T-waves is a bit challenging due to its variable nature, therefore, most of the algorithms available in the literature for T-wave detection use the detection of the QRS complex as the starting point. But accurate detection of Twave is very much required, as clinically, the first indication of a shortage of blood supply to the heart muscle (myocardial ischemia) shows up as changes in T-wave followed by other changes in the morphology of the ECG signal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this paper, an efficient and novel algorithm based on Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) is presented to detect the Twave independently. In CWT, for better matching, a new mother wavelet is designed using the pattern and shape of the Twave. This algorithm is validated on all the signals of the QT database. CONCLUSION: The algorithm attains an average sensitivity of 99.88% and positive predictivity of 99.81% for the signals annotated by the cardiologists in the database.

Memory T-Waves: An Uncharted Territory in T-Wave Inversions.

T-wave inversions on electrocardiograms (ECGs) can present a diagnostic challenge due to their association with various underlying causes. One less-explored cause is memory T-waves, a phenomenon characterized by T-wave inversions, often seen in chest and inferior leads, following a period of abnormal ventricular conduction. In this case report, we discuss the intriguing case of an 80-year-old woman who recently underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for a myocardial infarction and subsequently developed memory T-waves. We are also discussing how important it can be to understand and recognize memory T-waves, as it will avoid further unnecessary tests and longer hospital stays.

Variant of Wellen's syndrome in type 1 diabetic patient: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Wellen's syndrome is a form of acute coronary syndrome associated with proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) stenosis and characteristic electrocardiograph (ECG) patterns in pain free state. The abnormal ECG pattern is classified into type A (biphasic T waves) and type B (deeply inverted T waves), based on the T wave pattern seen in the pericodial chest leads. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a 37-year-old male with history of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), gastroparesis, mild peripheral artery disease and right toe cellulitis on IV antibiotics who presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain for 3 d and as a result couldn't take his insulin. Noted to have fasting blood sugar 392 mg/dL. Admitted for diabetic gastroparesis. During the hospital course, the patient was asymptomatic and denied any chest pain. On admission, No ECG and troponin draws were performed. On day 2, the patient became hypoxic with oxygen saturation 80% on room air, intermittent mild right-sided chest pain which he attributed to vomiting from his gastroparesis. Initial ECG done was significant for Biphasic T wave changes in leads V2 and V3 and elevated high sensitivity troponin. Patient was transitioned to cardiac intensive care unit and cardiac catheterization performed with result significant for extensive coronary artery disease. CONCLUSION: This case highlights an exceptional manifestation of Wellen's syndrome, wherein the right coronary artery and circumflex artery display a remarkable 100% constriction, alongside a proximal LAD stenosis of 90%-95%. Notably, this occurrence transpired in a patient grappling with extensive complications arising from T1DM. Moreover, it underscores the utmost significance of promptly recognizing the presence of Wellen's syndrome and swiftly initiating appropriate medical intervention.