· web viewf stemi with ecg possible stemi 3. if you were working at a rural emergency department...
TRANSCRIPT
MH SAQ practice ECGs
It is 1600 on Saturday afternoon. A 75 year old woman with a background of CRF on peritoneal dialysis and diet controlled diabetes presents with retrosternal chest pain radiating to neck and both arms which started 60 minutes previously. She is well functioning in the community and her only medications are irbesartan, calcium and vitamin D. She has no allergies. She is vitally stable and the following ECG is perfomed:
1. What are the diagnostic features on the ECG? (1 mark)
· STE inferior leads
· STD aVR associated with q wave
· Widespread PR depression except elevation in aVR
2. If you were working at an urban major referral hospital with 24 hour on-call PCI capabilities, would you activate the PCI team – they have no access to the ECG and will act on your recommendation and outline your reasoning? (2 marks)
· Yes, clinical picture of STEMI with ECG possible STEMI
3. If you were working at a rural emergency department would you give thombolysis considering that at this time the availability of transfer to PCI is 3 hours (2 marks)
· No, ECG has features of pericarditis which is a contraindication to thrombolysis
5. List 10 features (4 history, 3 ECG and 3 other investigations) that would increase the diagnostic possibility of STEMI over pericarditis (5 marks)
· Older age group
· Risk factors for ACS
· Short duration of pain
· Dull pain, not pleuritic
· Anatomically contiguous ST and J point elevation
· PR depression absent
· ECG changes rapidly with alteration of pain
· Biomarkers abnormal
· Pericardial effusion rarely present in acute STEMI
· Coronary angiography normal
Dunn p404
A 35 year old woman presents with palpitations and shortness of breath. On arrival her BP is 70/40 mmHg. An ECG is taken and is shown below.
a. What are 5 important features of the ECG?
Rate @ 240, Rhythm irregular (AF),rightward access, Delta waves, / fusion beats in severalleads esp lead 2 and V1
b. List three possible differential diagnoses.
AF RBBB, WPW with aberrancy, VT, Torsades
c. List the important steps in your immediate management.
Resus with full monitoring, supplemetal O2, iV access, fluid bolus, synchronised DC cardioversion 100J with sedation and analgesia
A 65 year old man is in your ED with a known overdose of Digoxin. An ECG has been performed and is shown below.
His U+E’s are Na+ 142 mmol/L, K+ 6.7 mmol/L, U50.1, Cr 502.
a. Describe 4 features of the ECG. (4 marks)
Supraventricular bradycardia ? slow AF as no visible p waves, T wave inversion and ST depression inferolaterally, reverse tick sign laterally, prominent u wave laterally,
b. Give 3 indications for digibind. (3 marks)
K+ > 5, digoxin level >15, ingested >10mg, ventricular tachyarrhythmia, haemodynamically unstable bradyarrhythmia, altered mantal status attributable to dig toxicity
c. List 3 other treatments for this patient and give reasons for using them. (3 marks)
Calcium gluconate- 10ml of 10% over 2 min to counteract the hyperkalaemia
Calcium chloride- 5 ml of 10% over 2 min
Salbutamol nebuliser 5ml- increases intracellular K+ reabsorption
Fast acting Insuline 10-15 iu in 500ml of 10% dextrose- increase K+ reabsorbtion
Atropine 0.5 mg up to 3mg to reverse bradycardia
Magnesium in case of torsades de pointes
A 60 year old male presents to your ED complaining of chest pain for the last 2 hours. He has no known medication history and does not take any regular medications.
His ECG on arrival is below.
a. What is your interpretation of his ECG? (3 marks)
Inferior STEMI – (1 mark)
Complete heart block – (1 mark)
1 mark for any of:
Possible RV involvement (STE III>II)
Possible posterior involvement (Flat ST depression V2-3)
Bradycardia
b. The patient's blood pressure is 80 mmHg. Outline the key steps in managing his hypotension. (4 marks)
Main priority revascularisation - angioplasty / thrombolysis – (1 mark)
Cautious fluid bolus -must acknowledge risk of pulm odema or use bolus <500ml –(1 mark)
1 mark each for any two of:
Atropine - likely to be ineffective
Avoid / cease GTN
Transcutaneous pacing
Inotropes as listed below only
IABP - only acceptable if preceded by revascularisation
c. The cardiology team have advised you to commence the patient on a vasoactive agent to improve his blood pressure. List 3 appropriate inotropes / vasopressors and their dosing in the table below. (3 marks)
Agent
Dose
1.
Dopamine
3-5 mcg/kg/min to maximum of 20-50 mcg/kg/min
2.
Dobutamine
2-5 mcg/kg/min to maximum of 20 mcg/kg/min
3.
Noradrenaline
2 mcg/min up titrate to response
1/2 mark for each correctly completed box.
Taken from Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine 7th Edition Chapter 54 Table 54-5 Pg 388 with Milrinone excluded.
Consistent with management advice in Dunn Emergency Medicine Manual 5th Edition Vol 1 Chpt 28 Pg 440
A 16 year old boy with a congenital heart problem presents to ED with episodes of syncope.
This is his ECG.
a. Describe the ECG. (5 marks)
Paced rhythm rate 75 bpm
Loss of capture
Period of ventricular standstill
Occasional ventricular ectopic/escape beats
P waves rate 75 – 100 bpm, complete heart block
b. Name 5 potential causes for this appearance. (5 marks)
Lead breakage or displacement causing pacemaker failure
Fibrosis causing pacemaker failure
Electrolyte abnormality
Toxicological causes – Ca channel/B blocker/digoxin toxicity
Failure to capture/needs check of threshold for capture
Source: Fellowship VAQ 2013.1
An elderly man collapses and is unresponsive at a shopping centre.
He receives prompt BLS from bystanders, then defibrillation from an AED prior to the arrival of the ambulance 10 minutes post-arrest. He is found to be in VF and does not revert with defibrillation by the ambulance crew. He is transported to the ED, where he is still pulseless and the monitor shows this rhythm.
What are your immediate actions? (8 marks)
Assume leadership, delegate roles
Ensure continuous BLS provided throughout
Manual biphasic shock 200J
Continue CPR 2 minutes
During CPR:
Check electrode position
Secure IV access
Adrenaline 1mg and repeat after second shock and every second loop
Correct reversible causes (4Hs,4Ts)
Advanced airway
Amiodarone 300mg after 3rd shock
Post-resuscitation care/12-lead ECG/reperfusion
From ARC Resuscitation guideline, online, accessed 5/8/2014
A 3 month old girl is brought in to ED with pallor and lethargy for the past hour. She has had fevers and URTI symptoms for the past 3 days.
Her observations are as follows:
GCS 15/15 but floppy/lethargic
HR 250/min
BP 75/45mmHg
CRT 2 seconds
Sat 95%A
Temp38.2°C
This is her ECG.
a. What is the most likely diagnosis? (1 mark)
SVT
b. What are 2 features of the ECG that support this diagnosis? (2 marks)
Rate is extremely fast – too fast for sinus tachycardia
Narrow complex
No P waves seen
c. List 3 treatment options in the order of escalation that you would perform them. (3 marks)
Vagal manouveurs – dunk head in ice water or cold face cloth dropped on face
Adenosine IV 100mcg/kg (can double dose Q2min up to 400mcg)
(Amiodarone IV 5mg/kg over 30 min)
DCCV cardioversion – sync 0.25-0.5J/kg (with sedation)
d. List 4 investigations you would perform in the ED and their justification. (4 marks)
BSL/glucose – prolonged tachycardia could cause hypoglycaemia, hypoglycaemia as cause of floppiness
FBC – anaemia leading to circulatory collapse, inc or dec WCC (sepsis)
Electrolytes/renal function – potassium/calcium/magnesium – deficiencies leading to arrhythmia
CXR – look for cardiomegaly/signs of CHD/myocarditis, signs of LVF, focal infection
Septic screen (blood culture, urine, consider LP) – sepsis as cause of SVT
Urine toxicology screen – as cause of arrhythmia
A 24 year old women who is 10 weeks pregnant presents with suspected pulmonary embolus.
a. List five clinical features that would increase her likelihood of having PE. (5 marks)
utilise Well's criteria - 5 of clinical evidence DVT, alternative dx less likely Cf PE, tachycardia, immobilisation/surgery - recent/within 4/52, haemoptysis, active Ca
b. Describe the utility of the following investigations in this patient. (5 marks)
Investigation
Utility
1
D Dimer
Can effectively exclude PE in low risk patients however more false positives in normal pregnancy (rises with gestation)
2
CXR
May provide alternative diagnosis - pneumonia, LVF
3
Lower limb US
If positive can avoid CTPA/VQ and radiation risks; negative scan cannot exclude PE
4
CTPA
High rates of nondiagnostic studies in pregnancy (35%) Cf. VQ. Increased lifetime risk of breast ca. Comparable radiation. Useful if CXR abnormal/underlying lung disease
5
VQ
First line imaging investigation. Low rates nondiagnostic VQ in pregnancy (4%). Not useful if CXR abnormal.
c. The patient has been diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. What are the ECG changes below? (1 mark)
TWI V1-4, III, AVF
d. What do the ECG changes suggest? (1 mark)
acute right ventricular strain/right ventricular dilation likely due to massive PE
e. The patient becomes hypotensive. List 4 treatment options (2 marks)
fluids, inotropes, thrombolysis, embolectomy
A 58 year old man with a PPM presents to your rural ED with palpitations intermittently for 8 hours.
His observations are:
P 60/min
BP123/54mmHg
Sats96% RA
GCS 15
An ECG is done and is shown below.
a. What is the ECG diagnosis? (2 marks)
Failure to sense (spikes occurring after native QRS during absolute refractory period)
b. List 4 possible causes. (4 marks)
battery weak, lead damage, electrolyte imbalance, myocardial ischaemia; fibrosis at lead tip; dislodgment of lead ; sensitivity needs adjusting
c. Outline the major consideration of arranging his disposition. (4 marks)
Rural hosp ; no immed risk unless begins trying to pace on T wave , then risk VF. Thus
Obtain receiving hosp cardiology advice first
needs TF to centre with PPM facilities
urgency depends on cause (thus initial screen in rural ED )
needs to be escorted by paramedics able to respond if arrhythmia and remain monitored
Depending on location and timing road vs air
A 55 year old man comes into ED with a history of gastroenteritis for 4 days.
His ECG is shown below.
a. What is the most important abnormality? (1 mark)
Long QT
b. List 3 important features to obtain from the history of presenting complaint. (2 marks)
Medication history esp macrolides; antipsychotics; antihistamines, antiarrhythmics, antidepressants; diuretics
History of known QTc congen
Comorbid disease contributing eg thyroid dysfunction; IHD, myocarditis renal dis
Extent of GI losses: dehydration etc
Severity of illness: abdo pain, fevr; blood in stool
c. List the most likely cause in this context and then 2 alternate differentials. (2 marks)
Likely hypo K (Mg or Ca); DDx drug use with impaired excretion eg ARF ; medication interaction; overdose; congenital cause; alcoholism (hypoMg);
d. List and justify your immediate management priorities. (5 marks)
At risk for arrhythmia
Monitored bed
IV access urgent VBG
Avoid any meds that prolong QT
Replace volume; monitor progress with UO, thirst, obs
Replace electrolytes via IV infusion eg K+ 10mmol/hr
Symptomatic Rx: antiemesis, analgesia
Have Mg ready
A 68 year old woman presents with central chest heaviness and nausea. An ECG is performed and is shown below.
Her vitals are:
BP 120/70mmHg
PR 60/min
RR 18/min
SaO2 99% RA
GCS 15
a. List the 4 most important features on this ECG. (2 marks)
No model answer provided
b. List 3 arrhythmias associated with these ECG findings. (3 marks)
No model answer provided
c. You are 3 hours away from the nearest cardiac catheter facility. Describe how this might change your management approach. (3 marks)
No model answer provided
d. List 2 important management differences between an inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction and an anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. (2 marks)
No model answer provided
A 48 year old man presents with dizziness and palpitations. An ECG is performed and is shown below.
The patient’s vitals are:
BP 100/60mmHg
RR 18/min
GCS15
a. What is the diagnosis? (1 mark)
No model answer provided
b. List 3 features on this ECG which supports your diagnosis. (3 marks)
No model answer provided
c. The patient’s BP drops to 70/40 mmHg and he becomes confused. Describe your 2 most important management priorities at this time. (4 marks)
No model answer provided
d. Is implantable defibrillator an option in this patient? Justify your answer. (2 marks)
No model answer provided
This 77 year old man presents with chest pain and dizziness on the background of Type II diabetes mellitus and a permanent pacemaker (PPM) for a sick sinus syndrome 3 years earlier. A recent PPM check was normal.
An ECG is performed and is shown below.
a. List 2 important abnormalities on this ECG. (2 marks)
No model answer provided
b. What is the likely pacing mode shown in this ECG? (1 mark)
No model answer provided
c. List 3 common pacing modes in use in Australia and the common clinical circumstances they are used in. (3 marks)
No model answer provided
d. Describe your immediate management priorities in this patient. (4 marks)
No model answer provided
A 46 year old man is brought to your ED by ambulance following an overdose of unknown medications. He has had a brief generalized seizure en route.
On arrival his observations are:
GCS12
BP85/60mmHg
Temp37.0°C
O2 Sat100% on 8 L/min O2
His ECG is shown below:
a. Describe the ECG. (5 marks)
No model answer provided
b. What are the first 5 things you would do to manage the patient? (5 marks)
No model answer provided
A 36 year old man presents to the ED complaining of 3 hours of gradual onset central chest discomfort. The pain is heavy, worse on deep inspiration and radiates to his back. He is a smoker, denies the use of recreational drugs and has no other significant past medical history. His father had an MI at age 62 years.
An ECG is performed and shown below:
a) List your two most likely differential diagnoses: (2 marks)
Pericarditis
Acute MI?Pulmonary Embolus/dissection also acceptable
b) List 3 investigations that could be performed to enable differentiation between these two possible diagnoses with justifications for each. (6 marks)
Fever–pericarditis more likely
Pericardial effusion/tamponade signs –muffled HS, raised JVP (pericarditis)
Pericardial rub –pericarditis more likley
PE ->pleural rub, tachypnoea, hypoxia, calf swelling
Dissection –r/r delay. Rfem delay, AR murmur, focal neurol, unequal BP arms
c) Name 2 treatment interventions you would initiate for one of the possible diagnoses (2 marks):
_____Pericarditis –nsaid, analgesia, drain tamponade Acute myocardial ischaemia –aspirin, clopidogrel, clexane, GTN PE; clexane, oxygen___Dissection –aggressive BP reduction, beta blockade, analgesia…__________________________
A 48 year old man has been brought to the ED with chest pain and dizziness for the last 1
hour.
His vital signs are:
GCS 14 E4 V4 M6
BP 80/45 mmHg
O2 sats 99% 6L O2 via mask
Temp 36.5 degrees
His ECG is shown below.
1. What is your diagnosis of the rhythm displayed in the ECG? (1 mark)
_________________________________________________________________________
2. List 3 supportive features from the ECG. (3 marks)
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3. List 4 likely causes of this problem. (4 marks)
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4. List 3 management steps you will undertake in the ED. Provide doses where
appropriate. (6 marks)
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
1.
VT
2.
Broad complex QRS
Tachycardia rate approx 180
Presence of capture beats
3.
Cardiac Ischaemia
Electrolyte – hypokalaemia, hypomagenesemia
Drug – eg tricyclics
Primary arrhythmia
Congenital
Cardiomyopathies
Infiltrative diseases
(3 of 4 to pass)
4.
Sedate – fentanyl 25mcg boluses, midazolam 0.5 – 1mg boluses
Synchronized DC cardioversion – 100 – 200J
Correct underlying cause
Total pass 8/14 – corrects to 5.5/10
A 35 year old woman has been brought to your hospital by ambulance. Her husband arrived home
to find her unconscious on her bed. She had written a suicide note. An overdose is suspected,
although no empty medication packets could be found.
Her vital signs are:
GCS 8 (E1 V2 M5)
BP 75/45 mmHg
O2 sats 99% 15L O2 via non-rebreather
Temp 36.0 degrees
An ECG is performed.
1. List the main abnormalities on the ECG (3 marks)
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
2. What group of drugs most commonly give this clinical picture? (1 mark)
________________________________________________________________________________
After a brief period, the patient begins to have a generalised seizure.
3. List your initial management steps, including drugs, doses and end-points where
appropriate. (10 marks)
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
1.
Broad QRS – between 160-200ms (CRITICAL)
Terminal right axis deviation of QRS
Absolute QT prolonged about 480ms
Pass 2 of 3
2.
Tri-cyclic anti-depressants
Pass 1
3.
Terminate seizure
– midazolam 2.5mg aliquots
Serum alkalinisation aiming for pH 7.5 (2 steps below so 4 marks)
Intubate
o – ketamine 100mg, rocuronium 100mg
IV HCO3
o – initial bolus 100mmol
IV N/S bolus
– 1000mL repeat if needed, for systolic BP >90mmHg (MAP >65mmHg)
Noradrenaline infusion if needed for BP goal
(3% saline if refractory hypotension, aiming for Na 150)
1 mark for each concept, 1 mark for action details
Pass 6 of 10
Total pass 9/14 corrects to 6/10
A 68 year old woman has been brought to your tertiary ED by ambulance. She has had chest pain for
the last 3 hours.
On arrival, her vital signs are:
GCS 15
BP 80/40 mmHg
O2 sats 100% 6L O2 via Hudson mask
Her ECG is given below.
1. Give the rate, rhythm and axis of the ECG. (3 marks)
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
2. Give the main pathology identified on the ECG, with evidence. (3 marks)
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
3. List your treatment steps, including drugs and doses where appropriate. (6 marks)
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
1.
(accelerated) Junctional rhythm, rate 75/min, axis normal
Pass 3 of 3
2.
Inferior STEMI – ST elevation II, III, aVF, reciprocal depression lateral leads (I, aVL)
Probable R sided involvement – STE III>II
ST depression V1 – V5 – reflects possible posterior involvement or else this too is reciprocal
Pass 2 of 3
3.
Fluid load – IV N/S 500mL, aiming for BP >90mmHg
Analgesia – IV morphine aliquots 2.5mg
Aspirin 300mg
Clopidogrel (or other) 300-600mg
Heparin bolus 4000-5000U
Urgent consultation with interventional cardiologist to arrange PCI for reperfusion
(Marking all or nothing ie must have step and dose correct (no ó marks))
Pass 4 of 6
Total pass 9/12 corrects to 7.5/10
ECG SAQ 2
SAQ 2
A 47 year old lady presented to the emergency department with syncope and altered conscious state. She has a past medical history of hypertension, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and depression.
Her observations in the emergency department are as follows:
GCS14(E3, V5, M6)
BP60/40mmHg
An ECG is taken on arrival and shown on the page opposite.
1. Describe her ECG giving three (3) positive and two (2) relevant negative findings
2. Describe four (4) different steps you would take to treat her hypotension.
3. List two (2) pros and two (2) cons of using activated charcoal for this patient.
SAQ 2 feedback – Jo Kerr
The differential diagnosis for a sinusoidal, wide complex rhythm between 80-120bpm with QRST fusion includes
· Sodium channel blocker toxicity
· Hyperkalemia
· AIVR
· Tachycardia with aberrant conduction (BBB)
· Massive ST elevation
1. Positive findings
· Broad QRS complex ( > 200msec)
· Prominent R wave aVR
· R/S ratio aVR > 0.7
· Borderline tachycardia ( rate 96)
· QTc 506 msec
· Relevant negatives
· Expect sinus tachycardia with TCA (>120)
· QT 400msec
· No AV block ( p waves before all complexes aVF)
· TCA OD
· cause fatal arrhythmia attributable to blockade of cardiac sodium channels,
· causing prolongation of the cardiac action potential, refractory period, and atrioventricular conduction.
· Cardiovascular features
· sinus tachycardia, which is caused by anticholinergic activity and inhibition of norepinephrine uptake
· hypotension, which is caused by reduced myocardial contractility and peripheral vascular α-adrenergic blockade.
· ECG
· prolongation of the PR, QRS, and QT intervals;
· nonspecific ST-segment and T-wave changes;
· atrioventricular block;
· right-axis deviation of the terminal 40-ms vector of the QRS complex in the frontal plane;
· R wave aVR > 3mm or R:S ratio > 0.7
· right bundle-branch block; and the Brugada pattern.
· Prolongation of the QRS duration >100 ms predicts a higher risk of arrhythmia
2. 1.IV Fluid
Eg N/saline with estimated amount or end point
Please Remember that PAEDIATRIC pts have mls/kg
2.Sodium Bicarbonate 50-100mmol IV stat then every 3-5 min until perfusing rhythm then continue (q 15-30min) aim QRS < 100msec
3.Inotrope With example eg Adrenaline / Noradrenaline
4.Other ETT/hyperventilate/pH 7.5
Balloon pump/ECMO/Bypass
Intralipid
Insulin Euglycemia Rx
Rx for hyperK
Sage Adviceguidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent action.
· Make sure you indicate clearly which part you are answering
· Please don’t write
· Repeat as necessary
· Repeat as required
You need to provide that information
· If the question says 4 DIFFERENT steps
· Don’t write 3 different inotropes
· DCR is not recommended for wide QRS from Na channel blockade or hyperkalaemia
3. DO NOT USE
· Cheap
· Accessible
· Easy to use
· Messy
· Interferes with resuscitation
· Time consuming
· Corneal abrasions
Single dose activated charcoal
Pro
· Useful if ingestion of potentially toxic amount of poison that is absorbed by charcoal.
· Highly effective if < 1/24 from ingestion but if delayed gastric emptying extend out to 2-3 hrs.
Con:
· Vomiting
· compromised airway or GCS unless intubated
· absent BS
· charcoal resistant poison ( eg lithium)
Enhanced elimination
Multidose activated charcoal
Pro:
· increased effectiveness if large amount ingested or delay to drug dissolution ( SR, enteric coated, slow GI motility, formation of concretions) carbemazepine dapsone phenobarb quinine theophylline
· Effective for drugs with enterohepatic circulation, High binding capacity, small Vd, low protein binding, drug not ionized at physiological pH
Con:
· ileus/ perforation/ obstruction
· Decreased mental state or unprotected airway
· More complications than single dose charcoal
· Increased risk aspiration / obstruction/ perforation
ECG SAQ 15
SAQ 15
A 45 year old man presents with vague symptoms of central dull chest pain and mild shortness of breath on exertion for the past 3 days.
His observations are:
Temperature37oC
BP120/70mmHg
RR18/min
O2 saturations99%on room air
An ECG is taken and is shown on the opposite page
1. Interpret his ECG giving three (3) positive findings.
2. List four (4) differential diagnoses for this appearance on the ECG.
3. List three (3) features on assessment that would determine disposition.
Feedback – Pourya Pouryaha
READ the question first then START with the elephant on the ECG:
Things to consider before answering this question:
READ the Question and answer THE QUESTION
try to guess the sense (Flavour if you wish) of the question (what is it asking???—Ischemia/dysrhythmia/anything specific that I should know,…)
Consider it as a real patient in front of you or in this case a nurse showing you an ECG in a busy shift —> what’s your immediate response ? —> I hope it is ‘’ Where is this patient ?? ‘’
Have a systematic approach,don’t just look for findings (Always check calibration)
for higher Marks give appropriate informations (Extras) ie instead of Sinus tachycardia you can easily calculate rate and write ST ~138bpm
ELEPHANT here : Electrical alternans ,Low Voltage,Sinus Tachycardia 138 bpm
less important :prolong QTc ,poor R wave progression ,maybe non specific PR/ST-T changes
*** most candidate didn’t notice ‘’interpret ‘’ in part (a)
*** don’t make up signs (bigeminy/ashman phenomenon,…)
***answer the question and don’t waste your time
ie:
just positive findings are asked here,don’t write negatives
instead of : regular narrow complex tachycardia ,sinus wave with rate 138 bpm you can simply write: Sinus tachycardia Rate ~138 bp
***DDX for ECG appearance not Sinus tachycardia or cause of effusion;you can start from simple i.e. Obesity or more important ones for higher marks (here :pericardial effusion,…)
version A:
1Pericardial effusion, Pleural Effusion
2Emphysema
3Pneumothorax or Pneumopericardium
4 Subcutaneous emphysema
5Severe hypothyroidism (myxoedema)
6End-stage dilated cardiomyopathy
7Old large MI
8Infiltrative/restrictive diseases such as amyloidosis or hemochromatosis.
9 Obesity
Version B:
•“Low Power/Weak Battery”
•Infiltrative diseases (Amyloid, Sarcoid, etc.)
•End stage cardiomyopathy
•Myxedema (severe hypothyroidism)
•Conduction blockage
•Fluid/Effusion (pericardial or pleural)
•Fat (obesity)
•Air (COPD, PTX)
for higher mark use scoring system,validated criteria etc as a frame work and list according to priority, also give disposition options (ICU/HDU/Ward with telemetry/Home,…); for example in this question :
disposition according to haemodynamic situation and Pericardial effusion scoring index based on :
1.Echocardiographic assessment of haemodynamics
2.effusion Size on echo
3. aetiology of effusion (not all relevant in this case)
a)infective - viral most common (coxsakie,CMV,Echo,HIV) - other: bacterial/ fungal /TB
b)Uremia
c) autoimmune (SLE,RA,..)
d)malignancy
Less relevant here but to consider:
e)MI
f)Trauma
score>4 —> will need pericardiocentesis
*** consideration of social circumstances and follow up
always consider discharge planning at the end,ie in this case if good F/u AND LOW Pericardial effusion scoring index <3 at initial presentation without haemodynamic compromise (clinically/radiologically)
SAQ 4 (STEMI)
A 48 year old male self presents to ED.
He is complaining of severe, heavy central chest pain with sweating, nausea and shortness of breath.
The pain has been present for one hour.
You work in an ED that is 65 minutes from interventional services.
Initial vital signs are:
BP 95/55,
P 125 regular,
SaO2 92 % on 6l via Hudson mask
His ECG on arrival is below.
1. Interpret the ECG giving three positive findings.
2. List five (5) drugs (with doses) needed within the first hour of arrival to ED.
3. Outline four factors that will determine definitive treatment of this patient
Answers
Q1.
· Critical LAD STEMI
· Widespread anterior ST depression
· Sinus tachycardia
(SAQ 4 contd…)
Q2.
· Oxygen: titrated to keep SaO2 > 95%
· Aspirin: 300mg orally stat
· GTN: 1-2 sprays sublingual, patch, infusion (50mg in 100mg normal saline titrated to pain and BP)
· 11a111b inhibitor: clopidogrel 600mg orally stat, prasugrel 60mg orally stat, ticagrelor 180mg orally stat
· Heparin versus clexane: heparin 5000 iu stat IV, clexane 1mg/kg s/c stat
· Morphine/fentanyl: morphine 0.1mg/kg titrated to effect IV, fentanyl 1µg/kg IV or intranasal titrated to effect
· Anti-emetic: maxolon 10mg IV, ondansetron 4mg s/l
· Thrombolysis: tenectaplase dose adjusted to weight
· Inotrope: adrenaline, metaraminol, dobutamine as required.
Q3.
· Time from pain onset
· Haemodynamic stability
· Continuous pain post thrombolysis
· Non PCI centre and delayed transport: thrombolysis within 30 mins of making decision
· Time to reaching cath lab – optimal less than 90 mins if large area at risk but acceptable up to 120 mins
· Successful thrombolysis to angiography less than 24 hours
A 55yo male is BIBA with severe CP of 45 minutes duration. He has had oxygen, 600mcg of GTN, 300mg of oral aspirin followed by 250mls of NS for hypotension. ECG attached (assume standard calibration and paper speed)
(a) What is the diagnosis from this ECG? (15%)
(b) What are the most likely causes for acute hypotension in this setting? (30%)
(c) What are the principal interventions for cardiogenic shock in AMI? (20%)
(d) List 8 absolute contraindications to giving fibrinolytic therapy. (35%)
Answers 13
(a) What is the diagnosis from this ECG? (15%)
Extensive STEMI: anterior and lateral, in the territory of the LMCA (LAD)
Marking (a) 15% of total for question 13.
Pass/fail (zero or 15%). Must include STEMI and the territory and comment that it is large/extensive
(b) What are the most likely causes for acute hypotension in this setting? (30%)
Cardiogenic shock from large ischaemic muscle mass LV, tamponade from aortic dissection or free wall rupture, rupture of a papillary muscle, medications (GTN and narcotics), drug interaction with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor eg viagra.
Marking (b). 30% of total score for question 13.
Fail (zero) if did not mention cardiogenic shock/large ischaemic muscle mass.
5% each cause listed up to 30%
(c) What are the principal interventions for cardiogenic shock in AMI? (20%)
Aspirin 300mg
Heparin/enoxaparin
Clopidogrel 300-600mg
Support his BP with IV NS or Hartmanns (+/- vasopressors and inotropes, IABP debated)
Oxygen, given that he is shocked
Urgent revascularization. PCI preferred.
· Primary PCI if available (balloon deployment within 90 minutes of arrival for cardiogenic shock). Otherwise fibrinolysis if not C/I. (Time to Primary PCI balloon inflation is longer if > 3hours from symptom onset)
· Fibrinolysis if not C/I when there will be a delay to PCI , ie if (Door to balloon time) minus (door to needle time) > hour
· Secondary PCI, after primary fibrinolysis when Primary PCI will be delayed
Marking (c). 30% of the total score for question 13.
Pass (15%): Supportive and specific therapies and concept that PCI is preferred but at times fibrinolysis is indicated. Additional marks for specific time requirements.
Additional marks for clopidogrel and heparin, up to 30%
(d) List 6 absolute contraindications to giving fibrinolytic therapy. (35%) Haemorrhagic CVA (ever), or unknown type of CVA ever
Ischaemic CVA within 6 months
CNS lesions (tumours, A/V malformations)
CNS (< 3 months), major surgery/trauma/head injury (< 3 months)
GIH < 1 month
Known coagulation disorder
Aortic dissection
Marking (d). 35% of total for question 13.
Pass ( 18%)= 4,
Additional 9% for each extra up to 35%
Question 14:
A 74yo, normally active and independent female presents with light headedness. PR 30bpm, BP 70/40. She is on no medications. She denies chest pain at any stage.
(a) What is the diagnosis from this ECG? (20%)
(b) What are your options for managing this condition acutely? (40%)
(c) Describe the steps in external pacing (40%)
Answers
(a) What is the diagnosis from this ECG? (20%)
CHB (variable PR interval, widened QRS with RBBB pattern (Purkinge origin)
Rate dependent (manifests with high atrial rate)
Marking. 30% of the total for question 14
Pass/fail (zero): CHB/3rd degree block
(b) What are your options for managing this condition acutely? Give pros and Cons (40%)
Reassurance
Pros – may work for rate dependent CHB such as this (avoids drugs)
Cons – recurrence with elevated catecholamines, eg hypotension!
Atropine 300mcg – 1mg
Pros - generally well tolerated, useful if high vagal tone
Cons - Doesn’t always work
· blurred vision, dry mouth, confusion in the elderly
· May make rate dependent CHB worse by increasing the atrial rate
Glycopyrolate
Pros - Better tolerated than atropine (less confusion)
Cons - Doesn’t always work
· Availability
· blurred vision, dry mouth
· May make rate dependent CHB worse by increasing the atrial rate
Adrenaline
Pros - - effects May increase rate and contractility and
· - effectsMay increase BP and organ perfusion including coronary artery
Cons- Doesn’t always work
· May make rate dependent CHB worse by increasing the atrial rate
· Increased myocardial oxygen demand
·
Isoprenaline
Pros - - effects May increase rate and contractility and less - effectsCons -Doesn’t always work
· Tachycardia and increased myocardial oxygen demand
External pacing
Pros – Will usually get capture
-quick and available
Cons - Discomfort, requires sedation
Internal pacing
Pros – will usually get capture even when external pacing doesn’t
Cons –requires equipment and expertise that may not be available
· Central access risks (bleeding, deterioration during procedure, infection)
Marking. 40% of the total for question 14
Pass = 30%. Requires Atropine, isoprenaline, external and internal pacing and 1 pro and 1 con for each
Additional 10% each for Reassurance and for Adrenaline with at least 1 pro and 1 con for each. Maximum 40%
(c) Describe the steps in external pacing (40%)
Inform patient if conscious
Pads positioned correctly
Select pacing option
Select synchronized if available
Nominate mAmps: may elect to start at 30 and build up, or at 60-120mAmps and wean down depending on urgency to establish capture
Nominate rate 60-80bpm
Start pacing and titrate analgesia (eg fentanyl IV)
Ensure capture (palpate pulse/art line)
Titrate mAmps, allow 50% above capture threshold
Marking. 30% of the total for question 14
Pass/fail (zero)
Sound description, that must include nominates mAmps and rate, ensures capture, provides analgesia
Overall pass 60%
ECG Quiz 5
ECG Quiz 5
Pericardial dz, diffuse ST elev