Compendium of ECG findings concerning for ☠️♥️occlusive MI ♥️☠️ (1/11)
First, back to basics & traditional STEMI criteria! Here's a nice figure of Lead Anatomy. I saved this forever ago, so not exactly sure of the source ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
(2/11)
STEMI criteria is met if: STE at least 1mm in 2 contiguous leads, but with higher cut-offs in V2-V3, & with addition of new LBBB in setting of compatible clinical picture. You can localize the coronary lesion using the leads affected! Localization chart by @DrEricStrong (3/11)
Before going into "STEMI equivalents" (better phrasing: "occlusive MI amenable to revascularization"), here's a figure from @LITFLblog on the J-point, which will be referenced later in the thread!
Next, ♥️Wellens' Syndrome♥️, a clinical syndrome characterized by biphasic or deeply inverted T waves plus a history of recent chest pain now resolved. The progressive T wave changes can be understood as follows: litfl.com/wellens-syndro…
(6/11)
Speaking of anterior MIs, a higher level concept that should be more widespread involves ☠️Terminal QRS Distortion☠️, defined as the absence of S-wave & J-wave in either V2/V3. Such distortion suggests Subtle Anterior MIs! @smithECGBlog
♥️ First Diagonal Occlusion ♥️ presents with a fun pattern called the South African Flag Sign! An easy way to remember this is the upper leads (on ECG strip, not anatomical leads) have upward changes (STE & upright T waves), while lower leads have downward changes.
♥️ Posterior MI ♥️: horizontal STD in V1-V3 & upright T waves in V1-V3.
However, STD maximum in V1-V4 can also be due to subendocardial ischemia (not occlusive MI) when there is tachycardia, especially if due to AFib with RVR.