Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
05:26
Postconditioning with Lactate-enriched Blood for Cardioprotection in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Published on: May 28, 2019
9.7K
Intraoperative Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report Emphasizing the Utility of Electrocardiogram
A & a Case Reports
|August 3, 2017
Summary
Electrocardiograms (ECGs) can aid in diagnosing intraoperative pulmonary embolism (PE) by identifying acute cor pulmonale. This case highlights ECG
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Anesthesiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of perioperative complications.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) has limited diagnostic utility for PE due to low sensitivity and specificity.
Observation:
- A case report of a patient experiencing intraoperative PE with hypotension and hypoxemia.
- The patient presented with specific ECG findings: SIQIIITIII pattern.
Findings:
- The SIQIIITIII ECG pattern was crucial in identifying acute cor pulmonale.
- ECG findings prompted further diagnostic imaging.
Implications:
- ECG plays a vital role in the early detection of intraoperative PE.
- This case underscores the importance of ECG in guiding diagnostic decisions for suspected intraoperative PE.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pulse rhythm
Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
01:29Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...