Correlation of head injury with ECG and echo changes

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) findings are observed in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• ECG is a potentially inexpensive tool for identifying TBI patients at risk of cardiac dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine abnormal ECG findings in isolated TBI patients.
• To associate ECG abnormalities with true cardiac dysfunction determined by echocardiography.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 100 adult patients with isolated, non-operated TBI (2020-2021).
• Exclusion criteria included age extremes (<18, >65), extracranial injuries, pre-existing cardiac disease, prior cardiothoracic surgery, inotropic use, hemorrhage, and brain death.
• Patients underwent ECG and echocardiographic evaluation.

Main Results:

• ECG abnormalities were noted in 53% of mild TBI cases (heart rate 60-100/min).
• Prolonged PR interval occurred in 8-16% and prolonged QRS in 5-15% of mild to severe TBI cases.
• Prolonged QTc interval was observed in 3-15% of TBI cases, increasing with severity.

Conclusions:

• Repolarization abnormalities on ECG correlate with cardiac dysfunction in isolated TBI.
• Ischemic-like ECG changes were not associated with cardiac dysfunction.
• A 12-lead ECG can serve as a cost-effective screening tool for cardiac dysfunction in TBI patients.