[STEMI mimics : ST elevations on ECG: alternative diagnoses to acute coronary occlusion]
Steffen Grautoff1,2, Klaus Fessele3, Martin Fandler4
1Gefahrenabwehr - Sicherheit und Ordnung, Kreis Herford, Wittekindstr. 7, 32051, Herford, Deutschland. steffen.grautoff@klinikum-herford.de.
Insights
Recognizing electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns that mimic ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is crucial in emergency medicine. This overview details critical STEMI mimics to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate patient care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Context:
- The electrocardiogram (ECG) is fundamental for emergency medical diagnosis and preoperative assessment.
- ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires immediate treatment based on ECG findings.
- Certain ECG patterns can mimic STEMI, potentially leading to missed diagnoses and incorrect treatments.
Purpose:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of critical diagnoses that imitate STEMI on ECG.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing these STEMI mimics in emergency settings.
Summary:
- A literature search identified key differential diagnoses for ST elevation on ECG.
- These STEMI mimics are discussed in detail, emphasizing their relevance in emergency medicine.
- The article presents an overview of differential diagnoses essential for emergency medicine when interpreting ECGs with ST elevations.
Impact:
- Enhanced knowledge of these ECG patterns can significantly improve clinical decision-making in emergency medicine.
- Accurate interpretation of ECGs prevents unnecessary interventions and ensures timely treatment for true STEMI cases.
Background:
The electrocardiogram (ECG) is an integral part of basic emergency medical diagnosis and preoperative evaluation. In cases of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) immediate treatment is mandatory after correlation of ischemic symptoms with the ECG pattern. However, there are also ECG patterns that can imitate STEMI, possibly resulting in the true underlying diagnosis being missed and inappropriate therapy being initiated.
Objectives:
This paper provides an overview of the most important diagnoses that can imitate STEMI on ECG.
Material And Methods:
A literature search was carried out to determine the most important differential diagnoses of ST elevation on ECG. These STEMI mimics are discussed in detail and their relevance for emergency medicine is explained.
Results:
This article provides an overview of differential diagnoses that should be known in emergency medicine when assessing an ECG with ST elevations.
Conclusion:
Good knowledge of the ECG patterns presented here can support decision-making in emergency medicine.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Electrocardiogram
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
Angina II: Classification


