An algorithm for identification of ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients by emergency medicine services

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) identification by emergency medicine services (EMS) leading to pre-hospital catheterization laboratory (CL) activation shortens ischemic time and improves outcomes. We examined the incremental value of addition of a screening clinical tool (CT), containing clinical information and a Zoll electrocardiogram (ECG)-resident STEMI identification program (ZI) to ZI alone.

All EMS-performed and ZI-analyzed ECGs transmitted to a percutaneous coronary intervention hospital from October 2009 to January 2011 were reviewed for diagnostic accuracy. ZI performance was also compared to ECG interpretations by 2 experienced readers The CT was then retrospectively applied to determine the incremental benefit above the ZI alone.

ST-elevation myocardial infarction was confirmed in 23 (7.5%) of 305 patients. ZI was positive in 37 (12.1%): sensitivity: 95.6% and specificity: 94.6%, positive predictive value (PPV), 59.5%, negative predictive value (NPV), 99.6%, and accuracy of 93.8%. Moderate agreement was observed among the readers and ZI. CT criteria for CL activation were met in 24 (7.8%): 20 (83.3%) were confirmed STEMIs: sensitivity: 86.9%, specificity: 98.5%, a PPV: 83.3%, and NPV: 98.6%, accuracy of 97.7%. CT + ZI increased PPV (P<0.05) and specificity (P<0.003) by reducing false positive STEMI identifications from 15 (4.9%) to 4 (1.3%).

In an urban cohort of all EMS transmitted ECGs, ZI has high sensitivity and specificity for STEMI identification. Whereas the PPV was low, reflecting both low STEMI prevalence and presence of STEMI-mimics, the NPV was very high. These findings suggest that a simplified CT combined with computer STEMI interpretation can identify patients for pre-hospital CL activation. Confirmation of these results could improve the design of STEMI care systems.