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Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with over 265 million active players and approximately 0.05% professional players worldwide. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has made preparticipation screening recommendations which involve electrocardiography and echocardiography being performed prior to international competition. The aim of preparticipation cardiovascular screening in young athletes is to detect asymptomatic individuals with cardiovascular disease at risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). The incidence of SCD in young athletes (age≤ 35 years) is 0.6–3.6 in 100,000 persons/year, with most deaths due to cardiovascular causes. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is one of the leading causes of SCD in young athletes. It is a genetic disease characterized by progressive fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium with variable phenotypic expression. Exercise‐induced cardiac remodeling in conjunction with extensive T‐wave inversion raises concern for ARVC. This case report and literature review explores a potential mimic for ARVC, the role of cardiovascular screening in sport, and the use of a multimodality approach for risk stratification and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac memory refers to T-wave inversions (TWI) on electrocardiograms (ECGs) after an episode of abnormal ventricular activation or wide electrical activity of ventricular muscles (QRS complex). We present the case of a 62-year-old woman with symptomatic bradycardia due to sinus pause. She immediately underwent temporary transvenous ventricular pacing. In the following days, intrinsic normal sinus rhythm was resumed at 69 bpm and a narrow QRS was observed (97 ms). Additionally, deep TWI was observed in leads II, III, aVF, and V3-V6. The distribution of TWI, normal echocardiogram and laboratory results, non-significant coronary angiogram, and recent right ventricular pacing correspond to possible cardiac T-wave memory. Follow-up 12-lead ECG four weeks later showed that T-wave morphology returned to normal baseline. This further confirmed the final diagnosis of cardiac memory-induced TWI. Recognizing cardiac memory-induced TWI is important for physicians to facilitate proper evaluation and management of TWI and prevent unnecessary further cardiac diagnostic tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognostic significance of Q waves and T-wave inversions (TWI) combined and separately in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI has not been well established in previous studies. We included 7,831 patients from the TOTAL trial and divided the patients into categories based on Q waves and TWIs in the presenting ECG. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), cardiogenic shock or new or worsening NYHA class IV heart failure within one year. The study evaluated the effect of Q waves and TWI on the risk of primary outcome and all-cause death, and whether patient benefit of aspiration thrombectomy differed between the ECG categories. Patients with Q+TWI+ (Q wave and TWI) pattern had higher risk of primary outcome compared to patients with Q-TWI- pattern [33 (10.5%) vs. 221 (4.2%); adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.10; 95% CI, 1.45-3.04; p<0.001] within 40-days' period. When analyzed separately, patients with Q waves had a higher risk for the primary outcome compared to patients with no Q waves in the first 40 days [aHR 1.80; 95% CI, 1.48-2.19; p<0.001] but there was no additive risk after 40 days. Patients with TWI had a higher risk for primary outcome only after 40 days when compared to patients with no TWI [aHR 1.63; 95% CI, 1.04-2.55; p=0.033]. There was a trend towards a benefit of thrombectomy in patients with the Q+TWI+ pattern. Q waves and TWI combined (Q+TWI+ pattern) in the presenting ECG is associated with unfavourable outcome within 40-days. Q waves tend to affect short-term outcome, while TWI has more effect on long-term outcome. • Q+TWI+ pattern in acute STEMI is a marker of unfavorable outcome. • Pathological Q waves have short term effect on the outcome. • TWI has long-term effect on the outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality with an incidence of 40–83/million/year. Sympathetic denervation in SCI leads to cardiovascular abnormalities including orthostatic hypotension, rhythm disturbance, and repolarization changes. Electrocardiographic (ECG) findings include bradyarrhythmias, ectopic beats, long QT interval, and ST-T changes that may be mistaken for myocardial ischaemia. Case summary A patient in their 40 s with free past medical history was referred to our centre with the diagnosis of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome. On presentation, chest pain was diffuse and radiating to the back. Twelve-lead ECG showed deep symmetrical T-wave inversion. Echocardiography and cardiac troponin were normal. The patient was scheduled for multi-slice computed tomography coronary angiography which was normal; however, a few hours after admission, the patient developed rapidly progressive motor weakness in both lower limbs with urine retention. Examination revealed motor power Grade 1 in both lower limbs. All sensations were diminished with a sensory level at T6. Urgent magnetic resonance imaging spine revealed neoplastic infiltration of the whole vertebrae with D5/D6 fracture exerting spinal cord compression. The patient was referred for urgent decompression surgery. Conclusion Electrocardiographic changes could be the earliest sign for ongoing SCI. ST-elevation is reported in higher levels of complete injury, while ST depression and inverted T waves can occur independent of lesion level or severity. Misinterpretation of these changes may cause a delay in reaching the correct diagnosis. We highlight the importance of considering neurological causes for ischaemic-like ECG changes, as early recognition could prevent irreversible functional loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the number one cause of death in the United States, and it is estimated that every 40 seconds one person experiences a heart attack. Among patients with chronic CAD, many will experience a potentially fatal complication known as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Wellens syndrome is a rare form of ACS that indicates critical left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and can be identified by its characteristic T-wave patterns on ECG. This syndrome also may go unrecognized by clinicians because of a lack of familiarity with the ECG findings. This article describes the Wellens ECG pattern and its significance in patients with chest pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute pulmonary embolism is the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in which only 7% of total suspected cases were correctly diagnosed. Prompt diagnosis is essential to reduce disease burden. 12-lead electrocardiography has become standard of examination in any acute cardiovascular setting. Several abnormalities associated with right ventricular dysfunction include the classic McGinn-White and anterior leads T-wave inversion pattern due to conduction abnormalities. Nevertheless, studies conducting research in evaluating diagnostic values of both patterns have not come to definite conclusion. This review evaluates the diagnostic value of T-wave inversions in anterior leads difference compared to that of McGinn-White sign in patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism. Methods: Literature searching was conducted from medical databases. Inclusion-exclusion criteria and study eligibility were assessed to select the included studies in this systematic review. Three final articles were selected and critically appraised using the Oxford Center of Evidence-Based Medicine appraisal tools for diagnostic study. Results: Considering the compared importance of selected studies, T-wave inversion shows better specificity (90.9% vs 88.7%) and sensitivity (35.5% vs 28.9%) although both signs exhibit minor impact in terms of sensitivity index. Analyses suggest higher averaged accuracy (accuracy index) and Youden index found in T-wave inversion than that of McGinn-White sign (accuracy index: 57.97% vs 56.16%; Youden index: 0.16 vs 0.12), providing more meaningful diagnostic value. Furthermore, anterior leads T-wave inversion possesses better diagnostic odds ratio than that of McGinn-White sign (5.52 vs 3.17). Conclusion: Anterior lead T-wave inversions present better diagnostic value than that of classic pattern of McGinn-White sign in electrocardiographic presentation of suspected acute pulmonary embolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited disease characterized by progressive fibrofatty tissue replacement of the myocardium. Asymptomatic individuals can often present for the first time with acute cardiac symptoms, such as syncope and ventricular arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death (SCD), which can occur in young and athletic populations. In the field of inherited cardiomyopathies, ARVC is one of the most challenging to diagnose due to its variable expressivity, incomplete penetrance, and lack of specific, unique diagnostic criteria. Without additional clinical findings or context, current imaging modalities are unable to definitively distinguish ARVC from other disease entities. Right ventricular (RV) structural changes can lead to prominent ARVC features. An important component of the 2010 revised task force criteria (TFC) is the assessment of RV wall motion contraction by echocardiography; however, this can be difficult to assess. This case report explores the diagnostic criteria used for ARVC and the role of RV wall motion contraction in the diagnosis., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: To explore the relationship between spontaneous reperfusion (SR) of infarct-related arteries and T-wave inversion in early ECGs of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: A total of 246 acute STEMI inpatients were retrospectively analyzed. The ECG within the first 6 hours of onset (the first ECG recorded by the pre-hospital emergency system or the emergency room) was taken as a criterion of determining the morphology of T-wave in an early phase. All the patients received emergency percutaneous coronary intervention. The patients' clinical data, ECGs and angiography data were recorded in de tail. According to the presence or absence of inverted T-wave in the corresponding leads of infarct-related vessels, the enrolled subjects were divided into T-wave inversion group (33 cases) and T-wave upright group (213 cases). The incidence of SR was compared between the two groups according to the results of coronary angiography. Results: In the 246 patients, SR is found in infarct-related vessels of 92 patients (37. 4%); occlusion occurs in the anterior descending arteries of 120 patients (48. 8%), the circumflex arteries of 28 patients (11. 4%), and the right coronary arteries of 98 patients (39. 8%). Among the patients with occluded anterior descending arteries, T-wave inversion is found in 23 patients (19. 2%) while only 2 patients (7. 1%) with circumflex artery occlusion and 8 patients (8. 2%) with right coronary artery occlusion are recorded T-wave inversion in ECGs. In the STEMI patients with anterior descending artery occlusion and inverted T-wave, SR is confirmed in 19 patients (82. 6%, P <0. 01) by coronary angiography; only one case (50. 0%, P =0. 124) of SR is found in patients with circumflex artery occlusion and inverted T-wave; 3 cases (37. 5%,P =0. 035) of SR are found in patients with right coronary artery occlusion and inverted T-wave. Conclusion: In the ECGs of STEMI patients with anterior descending artery occlusion, early T-wave inversion in the leads with ST-segment elevation may be a predictor for SR in infarct-related arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the rare causes of diffuse T-wave inversion (TWI) in electrocardiogram (ECG) is memory T-waves. This should be considered among the differentials of diffuse TWI in ECG of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED), especially when they have previous episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or pacemaker implantation or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. These TWIs are benign and do not require any treatment. However, it is of paramount importance for the emergency physician to differentiate it from ischemia-related T-wave changes. In the following case series, we report three cases of memory T-waves. Two of the cases had TWI in leads II, III, aVF, and V3 to V6 following reversion of VT. The other patient, with a? VVI (Left ventricle paced, Left ventricle sensed, Inhibition to sensing) pacemaker, had memory T-waves in the ECG taken during normal sinus rhythm. In all the three patients, we considered memory T-waves to be the possible cause of TWI. The electrocardiographic diagnostic criteria for memory T-waves are positive T in lead aVL and positive/isoelectric T in the lead I; and precordial TWI >inferior TWI. These criteria are 92% sensitive and 100% specific. In the following case series, we also provide an algorithmic approach for patients with suspected memory T-waves in their 12-lead ECG when they present to the ED.

Abstract Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the most common causes of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Performing, comparing, and monitoring serial electrocardiograms over time can help to detect potential cardiovascular diseases and to prevent malignant cardiac events in these populations. Case presentation A young Han Chinese male football player had abnormal electrocardiograms for 8 years without any subjective discomfort. Electrocardiograms revealed that T-wave inversions increased from 1 mm to a maximum of 5 mm on lead I and fluctuated around 5 mm on lead avL. Q-wave duration ranged from 40 ms to 60 ms, its depth increased to a maximum of 8 mm and was much greater than 40% of the R waves in depth in II, III, and avF leads. Echocardiography showed increasingly thickened interventricular septum from 10 mm to 13 mm, enlarged left atrium and ventricle, and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Coronary angiography showed no distinct stenosis. Emission computed tomography revealed mild myocardial ischemia of the left ventricular inferior wall. These unusual electrocardiogram manifestations were initially regarded as benign alterations of a highly trained athlete. Upon reviewing the clinical information and the newest criteria for electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was identified. The misreading of electrocardiograms is not uncommon, thus predisposing such patients to high susceptibility to exercise-induced sudden cardiac death. Conclusions We propose that abnormal electrocardiogram findings reveal the initial expression of underlying cardiac diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, preceding the symptoms and signs by many years. Accordingly, early detection and continuous surveillance are important for athletes with such electrocardiogram patterns, and improvement of physicians’ expertise is crucial.

T-wave inversion (TWI) is not considered useful for diagnosing pediatric arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), because right precordial TWI in ARVC resembles a normal juvenile pattern. The aims of this study were to clarify the electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics of pediatric ARVC to distinguish those patients from healthy children. Between 1979 and 2017, 11 ARVC patients under 18 years old were registered and compared with school screening ECGs from 48,401 healthy children. The mean age at the first arrhythmic event or diagnosis was 13.3 ± 4.7 years. Nine patients were asymptomatic initially and were found by ECG screening, but 6 developed severe symptoms during the follow-up. Healthy children had a normal juvenile pattern, while ARVC children, especially symptomatic patients, had a significant tendency to have inferior and anterior TWI. The phenomenon of T-wave discontinuity (TWD) in which the TWI became deeper from V1 to V3 and suddenly turned positive in V5 was significantly more frequent in ARVC (60%) than healthy children (0.55%). Anterior TWI and TWD were also significantly more frequent in those who developed severe symptoms. The sensitivity and specificity of TWD were 60% (95% CI, 31–83%), and 99% (95% CI, 99–99%) to distinguish ARVC from healthy children, as well as 100% (95% CI, 71–100%) and 80% (95% CI, 51–80%), respectively, to predict severe symptoms in the future. The ECG is useful to distinguish ARVC children, even in the early phase. Anterior TWI and TWD could detect ARVC children and to predict the possible serious conditions. • This study clarified the frequency of T-wave inversion (TWI) in a large cohort of healthy children. • T-wave discontinuity (TWD), as well as TWI in the inferior and anterior leads could differentiate ARVC children. • TWD and anterior TWI are possible signs to predict a serious prognosis in the future. • ARVC children tend not to have VTs but have PVCs and late potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cardiac involvement with COVID-19 infection has become evident by elevated troponin, cardiac arrhythmias, ST segment elevation, myocarditis, fulminant heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. We aimed to describe the association of COVID-19 and T-wave inversion (TWI) in a large case series. Methods: We conducted an observational, retrospective study of confirmed COVID-19 cases with at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) in a large hospital in New York City (March 23, 2020–April 23, 2020). Patients with new TWI or pseudonormalization were further analyzed. Mortality and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation were the main outcomes. Results: A total of 3225 patients were screened; 195 (6%) were selected for further analysis: 181 with TWI and 14 with T-wave pseudonormalization. Mean age was 66 ± 7 years; 51% were male. TWI were more commonly noted in the lateral (71%), followed by anterior (64%), inferior (57%), and septal (26%) leads. A total of 44 patients (23%) had elevated troponin. A total of 50 patients died (26%). Mortality rates of 35%, and 52% were observed in patients with diffuse TWI, and elevated troponin, respectively. Mortality rate of 80% was observed in patients with both elevated troponin and diffuse TWI. Additionally, 30% of the entire cohort and 58% of patients with elevated troponin required invasive mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that new TWI is a relatively common finding in COVID-19 patients. Importantly, our findings suggest that new TWI or T-wave pseudonormalization, particularly with elevated troponin, was associated with higher rates of mechanical ventilation and in-hospital mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les particularités de l'électrocardiogramme du patient d'origine africaine sont décrites depuis de nombreuses années. On observe plus fréquemment des variations à type de QRS hypervoltés, de repolarisation précoce, d'ondes T inversées en territoire précordial et de sus-décalage du segment ST en antérieur associé à une inversion de l'onde T. La méconnaissance de ces variations peut aboutir à un diagnostic erroné ou inversement à une négligence thérapeutique. Nous détaillons ici les particularités électrocardiographiques attribuées au patient d'origine africaine. Particularities of African descent patient's electrocardiogram have been described for many years. Variations such as higher QRS voltage, early repolarization pattern, precordial T-wave inversion and anterior ST segment elevation associated with T-wave inversion are more frequently observed. Ignorance of these variations can lead to misdiagnosis or therapeutic negligence. We present the electrocardiographic particularities attributed to the patient of African origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the rare causes of diffuse T-wave inversion (TWI) in electrocardiogram (ECG) is memory T-waves. This should be considered among the differentials of diffuse TWI in ECG of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED), especially when they have previous episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or pacemaker implantation or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. These TWIs are benign and do not require any treatment. However, it is of paramount importance for the emergency physician to differentiate it from ischemia-related T-wave changes. In the following case series, we report three cases of memory T-waves. Two of the cases had TWI in leads II, III, aVF, and V3 to V6 following reversion of VT. The other patient, with a? VVI (Left ventricle paced, Left ventricle sensed, Inhibition to sensing) pacemaker, had memory T-waves in the ECG taken during normal sinus rhythm. In all the three patients, we considered memory T-waves to be the possible cause of TWI. The electrocardiographic diagnostic criteria for memory T-waves are positive T in lead aVL and positive/isoelectric T in the lead I; and precordial TWI >inferior TWI. These criteria are 92% sensitive and 100% specific. In the following case series, we also provide an algorithmic approach for patients with suspected memory T-waves in their 12-lead ECG when they present to the ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absence of the pericardium is a rare congenital disease in which the fibroserum membrane covering the heart is partially or totally absent. It is characterized by few echocardiography (ECG) and imaging features that canmislead the diagnosis to an inherited cardiac disease, such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Although it has often a benign course, this congenital defect should be identified as in some cases herniation and strangulation can be life-threatening and cause sudden cardiac death. Red flags on ECG (sinus bradycardia, variable T-wave inversion), chest x-ray (Snoopy sign, absence of tracheal deviation, and esophagus impression), and transthoracic echocardiogram (unusual windows, teardrop left ventricle, and elongated atria) should rise the suspicion of pericardium absence. The correct diagnosis, confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance, is mandatory as the consequences on the sport activity certification, the management, and the treatment are extremely different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: T-wave inversion in lead III was linked to displacement of the base of the heart due to abdominal adipose tissue in early electrocardiography (ECG) trials. The observation of T-wave inversion in lead III in some of the pathological and physiological conditions other than obesity suggests the possibilities of different mechanisms. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of T-wave inversion in lead III in non-obese men.Method: A total of 1240 men underwent ECG, blood pressure measurement, hepatic ultrasonography, and biochemical tests from January 2019 to December 2019. We excluded 220 subjects due to predetermined criteria. The eligible 105 non-obese men with T-wave inversion in lead III and 915 non-obese men without T-wave inversion in lead III were compared with each other in terms of clinical, demographic and laboratory parameters.Results: The mean age was 27.9 years with a range of 20 to 46 years. The prevalence of T-wave inversion in lead III was 10.3%. Body mass index (BMI), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, hematocrit, and the percentage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were significantly higher in Group with T-wave inversion while alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in Group without T-wave inversion. In multivariable analysis, NAFLD was the best independent correlate of inverted T-wave in lead III (β = 6.215, p < 0.0001). BMI (β = 1.448, p < 0.001) and hematocrit (β = 1.179, p = 0.021) were the other independent correlates of T-wave inversion in lead III.Conclusion: We demonstrated the association of T-wave inversion in lead III with NAFLD, BMI, and hematocrit in non-obese men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-induced QT prolongation with T wave inversion is a complex regulatory and clinical problem due to the rarity of this potentially fatal adverse incident. A 68-year-old female patient was receiving piperacillin/tazobactam therapy for a complicated urinary tract infection. She has had normal ECG findings before the antibacterial therapy. After the treatment, the patient worsens due to long QT which is predisposed to torsades de pointes. As a result of the researches, it was understood that the cause of long QT was piperacillin/tazobactam. We aimed to present a rare case in which we detected drug-induced QTc prolongation with piperacillin/tazobactam in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is a life-threatening acute heart failure syndrome. However, little is known about risk factors for worse outcomes in TS and no high-risk ECG criteria have been defined. We sought to identify ECG predictors of life-threatening in-hospital complications in TS. Using the nationwide Swedish Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) we obtained data on all consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between June 2008 and February 2019. For all patients with TS we conducted in-depth chart reviews to confirm the TS diagnosis. For those with confirmed TS we then evaluated all ECGs obtained during the index hospitalization. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of in-hospital major adverse cardiac event (MACE), defined as the composite of death, ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation (VT/VF), or atrioventricular block ≥2 or asystole ≫10 s. We identified 215 patients with TS (mean age 69 ± 13 years; 93% women). MACE occurred in 34 patients (16%), of whom 20 had VT/VF (9,3%). Patients with MACE were less likely than those without MACE to have sinus rhythm (85% versus 96%, p = 0.025) or T-wave inversion (29% versus 51%, p = 0.025). After propensity score adjustment T-wave inversion was independently associated with lower MACE risk (adjusted odds ratio [AdjOR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10–0.76, p = 0.012) and VT/VF (AdjOR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06–0.94, p = 0.041). T-wave inversion is common in TS and is associated with lower risk of MACE, driven by a lower risk of VT/VF. • We analyzed in-depth the presenting ECG for 215 takotsubo syndrome (TS) patients. • T-wave inversion (TWI) was present in 47.4% of the patients. • TWI was independently associated with lower risk of death or malignant arrhythmia. • The only other ECG characteristic associated with the outcome was the rhythm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A variety of clinical syndromes can cause T-wave inversion (TWI), ranging from life-threatening events to benign conditions. One benign cause of TWI is cardiac memory, which is characterized by the transient inversion of T-waves following abnormal activation of the ventricles, commonly due to intermittent left bundle branch block (LBBB), tachydysrhythmias, electrical pacing, or ventricular pre-excitation.Case Report: A 72-year-old man presented to the emergency department with chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Upon arrival, his electrocardiogram (ECG) showed new-onset LBBB with appropriate secondary ST-T wave changes. A subsequent ECG showed disappearance of LBBB and newly inverted T-waves in precordial leads V1-V5, followed by a repeat ECG that again showed LBBB. Serial troponin testing was unremarkable. During hospitalization, echocardiogram and nuclear perfusion stress test were normal. The transient TWIs in this patient were believed to be due to cardiac memory. We performed a literature review and identified 39 published cases of cardiac memory. The most common etiology for cardiac memory was after cardiac pacemaker placement, followed by intermittent LBBB (as was seen in our patient), and post-tachydysrhythmia. Patient ages ranged from 21 to 88 years, with an equal number of cases reported in men and women. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Cardiac memory is a poorly understood, rarely observed phenomenon that can occur in the setting of intermittent LBBB. Testing for acute cardiac ischemia and underlying coronary artery disease is still recommended, as the diagnosis of cardiac memory can only be made after negative workup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical manifestation of late onset recurrent monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction may elude diagnosis despite elaborate testing. This report describes a 67-year-old woman with structurally normal heart who presented with recurrent VT in the absence of predisposing factors. Repeated extensive diagnostic testing, including magnetic resonance imaging and coronary angiography, did not disclose any abnormality. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was placed following noninducibility of the third episode of VT at electrophysiological study. Patient's 12-lead electrocardiogram in normal sinus rhythm revealed permanent QRS fragmentation as well as T-wave inversions as the only warning features that heralded the impending appearance of recurrent VTs over the course of 5 years follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In patients with the long QT syndrome (LQTS), a sudden increase in heart rate can cause T-wave alternans (TWA) with beat-to-beat alternating polarity of T wave. We hypothesized that LQTS patients at high risk for torsades de pointes (TdP) may exhibit momentary atrial or sinoatrial premature beat-induced T-wave inversion (APB-TWI).Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the association of APB-TWI with TdP history and with microvolt TWA.Methods: Twenty-four-hour continuous 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded in 18 healthy subjects and 39 consecutive patients with LQTS types 1 (n = 21), 2 (n = 4), 3 (n = 4), and unidentified (n = 10). Peak TWA was determined by the modified moving average method.Results: The 39 LQTS patients were divided into 2 groups: 10 LQTS patients with TdP history (TdP group) and 29 without (non-TdP group). None of the healthy subjects showed APB-TWI, whereas 38.5% of the LQTS patients (15/39) exhibited APB-TWI. The incidences of APB-TWI and TWA ≥42 μV were significantly higher in the TdP group than in the non-TdP group (APB-TWI: 80% vs 24.1%, P = .006; TWA ≥42 μV: 100% vs 65.5%, P = .04). APB-TWI was inferior in sensitivity for an association with TdP history to TWA ≥42 μV (80% vs 100%) but superior in specificity (75.9% vs 51.7%). Patients with APB-TWI exhibited significantly higher TWA values than those without [median (interquartile range) 73 (55-106.5) vs 48 (37.5-71.8) μV, P = .02].Conclusion: APB-TWI is an easily measurable ECG pattern and is strongly associated with TdP history as well as TWA ≥42 μV in LQTS patients. APB-TWI and TWA may share pathophysiological mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome frequently presents with negative T-wave inversion. In acute pulmonary embolism precordial T-wave inversion occurs due to right ventricular strain. We herein report a case of a 48-year-old woman presenting with syncope secondary to massive main pulmonary artery embolism which was initially diagnosed as acute coronary syndrome due to negative anterior T-wave inversion and raised troponin. In addition, her room air saturation was normal and electrocardiogram showed T-wave inversion in inferior wall leads as well. We present this case of massive pulmonary embolism with varied presentation which was initially misdiagnosed as acute coronary syndrome.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: Sudden cardiac arrest in athletes is a rare but dramatic event. The value of a routine electrocardiogram (ECG) during preparticipation screening (PPS) remains controversial, partly because of the relatively high number of false positive findings. Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal ECGs in consecutive Swiss elite athletes, overall and with regard to different sports classes, using modern screening criteria. METHODS: We analysed the 12-lead resting ECGs of high-level elite athletes (age ≥14 years) recorded at the Swiss Olympic Medical Centre Magglingen between 2013 and 2016 during routine PPS. The overall prevalence of abnormal ECGs was evaluated and compared in accordance with the original and revised Seattle criteria. Sports disciplines were categorised according to their static (estimated percentage of maximal voluntary contraction, I–III) and dynamic (estimated percentage of maximal oxygen uptake, A–C) components, and the prevalence of abnormal ECGs compared between sports classes by Fisher’s exact test (with alpha set at 0.05). RESULTS: ECGs from 287 consecutive athletes were analysed (64.1% male; 99.7% Caucasian; median age 20.4 ± 4.9 years; median weekly training volume 17.7 ± 7.1 hours). Based on original Seattle criteria, eight (2.8%) ECGs were classified as abnormal: three T-wave inversion (TWI), one Q-wave duration >40 ms, two QRS left axis deviation, two Q-wave amplitude >3 mm. The use of the revised Seattle criteria reduced the number of abnormal ECGs to four (1.4%): three TWI, one Q-wave duration >40 ms. Further cardiological work-up revealed an underlying structural heart disease in only one of these four athletes (inferolateral TWI on ECG), consisting of very localised mid-wall fibrosis suggestive of former myocarditis. There was a significant difference in occurrence of abnormal ECGs between the different sports categories (p = 0.018). All four abnormal ECGs according to the revised Seattle criteria occurred in the high dynamic sport classes (IIC and IIIC); three out of the four were found in the high dynamic high static class (IIIC). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of high-level elite athletes, the prevalence of abnormal ECGs according to modern screening criteria was very low. All athletes with an abnormal ECG performed high dynamic sports. Less than one percent of our athletes had a new relevant cardiac diagnosis.

Background The T-wave alterations are suggestive of ischemia, among them there is the pseudo-normalization (positivization of the T-wave, previously negative, during stress exercise). Myocardial single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) at rest and stress is usually performed with Technetium 99 (Tc-99), which has high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of ischemic heart disease. In this study, we decided to investigate the patients who pseudo-normalized the T-wave in the stress test to correlate with the existence of ischemia diagnosed by myocardial perfusion study, specifically myocardial SPECT in perfusion and rest with Tc-99. Methodology T - wave pseudo-normalization patients who underwent a myocardial perfusion SPECT between January 2018 and June 2019 were included in this retrospective study. We analyzed 81 patients: 50 patients with pseudo-normalization of T-waves and 31 patients, as a control group, without pseudo-normalization. A descriptive analysis of the quantitative variables was performed using Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, and for the qualitative variables, the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test was performed. Results The degree of ischemia according to the presence or absence of pseudo-normalization of the T-wave. The pseudo-normalization of the T-wave in the group without ischemia (48.4% vs. 36%), for the mild degree the proportions were the same (38.7% vs. 38%), the moderate degree it was slightly higher in the pseudo-normalization of the T-wave (9.7% vs. 18%) and severe (3.2% vs. 6%). Conclusions In this study, the relationship between pseudo-normalization of the T waveform and ischemia, predominantly moderate to severe, was demonstrated. However, it was not statistically significant due to the size of the sample studied., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Fuentes Mendoza et al.)

Myocardial bridge (MB) is seen as a segment of an epicardial coronary artery traveling through the myocardium creating a "bridge" across the artery. Myocardial bridge is a benign congenital anomaly. However, it can be associated with acute coronary symptoms, coronary spasms, ventricular septal rupture, arrhythmias (including supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia), and sudden death. In this report, we describe a case of acute coronary symptoms with electrocardiogram (ECG) changes secondary to myocardial bridge diagnosed by CT coronary angiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes occurring several hours after the onset of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema have been seldom described. The proposed explanatory mechanisms are various and not fairly established. In the absence of significant coronary artery disease, these ECG abnormalities could be attributed to mechanisms implicated in coronary microcirculatory dysfunction. Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes occurring several hours after the onset of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema have been seldom described. The proposed explanatory mechanisms are various and not fairly established. In the absence of significant coronary artery disease, these ECG abnormalities could be attributed to mechanisms implicated in coronary microcirculatory dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: While T-wave inversions (TWI) are associated with various pathologies, they are rarely associated with cardiac memory, termed the Chatterjee phenomenon., Case: A 76-year-old man with sick sinus syndrome with a pacemaker presented with chest tightness and new onset TWI in his precordial leads. On admission, he tested positive for COVID-19, but remained stable and only required minimal supplemental oxygen. His troponin was only slightly elevated, and EKG showed TWI throughout his precordial leads. A previous EKG had shown normal sinus rhythm without a paced rhythm or ST wave abnormalities. Interrogation of his pacemaker revealed an AV-paced rhythm. Given his chest tightness without dynamic changes in his troponin or EKG, the symptoms were considered more likely related to his COVID-19 infection, and he was discharged home., Discussion: Aberrancies in normal cardiac conduction can result in altered electrical activation, especially for those with AV pacemakers, leading some patients to develop cardiac memory, manifesting as TWI., Conclusion: AV-paced rhythm and narrow QRS complexes with TWI localized to precordial leads without evidence of active cardiac ischaemia may suggest cardiac memory, termed the Chatterjee phenomenon, requiring no invasive interventions., Learning Points: In patients with T-wave inversions, various conditions should considered in the differential diagnosis, including left bundle branch block and sick sinus syndrome, although T-wave inversions in V1-V3 are non-specific and benign.Cardiac memory, termed the Chatterjee Phenomenon, is one of the causes of T-wave inversions which is sometimes ignored.No invasive interventions are needed for T-wave inversions with the Chatterjee phenomenon., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interests: The Authors declare that there are no competing interests., (© EFIM 2023.)

Background The diagnostic work-up to reveal etiology in a young ischemic stroke (IS) patient includes evaluation for high-risk source of cardioembolism (HRCE), since this subtype associates with high early recurrence rate and mortality. We investigated the association of ECG findings with a final etiologic subgroup of HRCE in a cohort of young patients with first-ever IS. Methods The Helsinki Young Stroke Registry includes IS patients aged 15 to 49 years admitted between 1994 and 2007. Blinded to other clinical data, we analyzed a 12-lead resting ECG obtained 1–14 days after the onset of stroke symptoms in 690 patients. We then compared the ECG findings between a final diagnosis of HRCE (n = 78) and other/undetermined causes (n = 612). We used multivariate logistic regression to study the association between ECG parameters and HRCE. Results Of our cohort (63% male), 35% showed ECG abnormality, the most common being T-wave inversion (16%), left ventricular hypertrophy (14%), prolonged P-wave (13%), and prolonged QTc (12%). 3% had atrial fibrillation (AF), and 4% P-terminal force (PTF). Of the continuous parameters, longer QRS-duration, QTc, and wider QRS-T-angle independently associated with HRCE. After AF, PTF had the strongest independent association with HRCE (odds ratio = 44.32, 95% confidence interval = [10.51–186.83]), followed by a QRS-T angle > 110° (8.29 [3.55–19.32]), T-wave inversion (5.06, 2.54–10.05), and prolonged QTc (3.02 [1.39–6.56]). Conclusion Routine ECG provides useful information for directing the work-up of a young IS patient. In addition to AF, PTF in particular showed a strong association with etiology of HRCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We evaluated the prevalence of isolated T-wave inversions (TWI) in American athletes using contemporary ECG criteria. Ethnic and gender disparities including the association of isolated TWI with underlying abnormal cardiac structure are evaluated. Methods From 2004 to 2014, 1755 collegiate athletes at a single American university underwent prospective collection of medical history, physical examination, 12-lead ECG, and 2-dimensional echocardiography. ECG analysis was performed to evaluate for isolated TWI as per contemporary ECG criteria. Results The overall prevalence of isolated TWI is 1.3%. Ethnic and gender disparities are not observed in American athletes (black vs. white: 1.7% vs. 1.1%; p=0.41) (women vs. men: 1.5% vs. 1.1; p=0.52). No association was found with underlying cardiomyopathy. Conclusion A lower prevalence of isolated TWI in American athletes than previously reported. Isolated TWI was not associated with an abnormal echocardiogram. No ethnic or gender disparity is seen in American college athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing evidence that regular intense endurance exercise can promote structural and electrical remodeling of the right ventricle (RV). These physiological changes can be profound and are frequently accompanied by ECG changes in the right precordial leads, thereby mimicking features observed in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Because the 12-lead ECG is used as both a screening and diagnostic tool for the detection of conditions associated with sudden death in athletes, it is of fundamental importance to have a good understanding of the ECG features that distinguish physiological adaptations to endurance exercise from those related to RV pathology as well as their potential overlap. This article describes ECG findings observed in healthy endurance athletes versus athletes with underlying RV pathology and illustrates their differentiation using 4 case presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the predictive value of T-wave inversion (TWI) on routine electrocardiogram (ECG) for mortality in the general population with various risk groups in a prospective population-based follow-up study. Subjects. ECGs of a random population-based sample of 1814 men aged 42-60 years without coronary heart disease (CHD) at baseline. Results. During an average follow-up of 21 years, 685 deaths occurred. Of these deaths 174 were due to CHD and 278 to cardiovascular disease (CVD). There were 57 subjects with TWI. After adjusting for age, TWI was associated with an increased CHD mortality (relative risk (RR) 4.10, 95% CI 2.26-7.41), CVD mortality (RR 3.47, 95% CI 2.09-5.78), and all-cause mortality (RR 2.07, 95% CI 1.37-3.12). After further adjustment for conventional risk factors, TWI remained statistically significant, predicting CHD mortality (RR 2.62, 95% CI 1.57-4.36), CVD mortality (RR 2.18, 95% CI 1.40-3.38), and all-cause mortality (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.00-2.01), respectively. Conclusion. TWI is a strong predictor for CHD, CVD, and all-cause mortality in the general population. The respective risks of CHD and CVD among men with TWI were also increased among men with high blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome frequently presents with negative T-wave inversion. In acute pulmonary embolism precordial T-wave inversion occurs due to right ventricular strain. We herein report a case of a 48-year-old woman presenting with syncope secondary to massive main pulmonary artery embolism which was initially diagnosed as acute coronary syndrome due to negative anterior T-wave inversion and raised troponin. In addition, her room air saturation was normal and electrocardiogram showed T-wave inversion in inferior wall leads as well. We present this case of massive pulmonary embolism with varied presentation which was initially misdiagnosed as acute coronary syndrome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) presents with chest pain, ST-segment elevation followed by T-wave inversion and QT interval prolongation (Wellens’ electrocardiographic [ECG] pattern), and left ventricular dysfunction, which may mimic an acute coronary syndrome. Objective: To assess the pathophysiologic basis of the Wellens’ ECG pattern in TTC by characterization of underlying myocardial changes by using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods: The study population included 20 consecutive patients with TTC (95% women; mean age 65.3±10.4 years) who underwent CMR studies both in the initial phase and after 3-month follow-up by using a protocol that included cine images, T2-weighted sequences for myocardial edema, and post-contrast sequences for late gadolinium enhancement. Quantitative ECG indices of repolarization, such as maximal amplitude of negative T waves, sum of the amplitudes of negative T waves, and maximum corrected QT interval (QTc max), were correlated to CMR findings. Results: At the time of initial CMR study, there was a significant linear correlation between the apicobasal ratio of T2-weighted signal intensity for myocardial edema and the maximal amplitude of negative T waves (ρ = 0.498; P = .02), sum of the amplitudes of negative T waves (ρ = 0.483; P = .03), and maximum corrected QT interval (ρ = 0.520; P = .02). Repolarization indices were unrelated to either late gadolinium enhancement or quantitative cine parameters. Wellens’ ECG abnormalities and myocardial edema showed a parallel time course of development and resolution on initial and follow-up CMR studies. Conclusions: Our study results show that the ischemic-like Wellens’ ECG pattern in TTC coincides and quantitatively correlates with the apicobasal gradient of myocardial edema as evidenced by using CMR. Dynamic negative T waves and QTc prolongation are likely to reflect the edema-induced transient inhomogeneity and dispersion of repolarization between apical and basal left ventricular regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate if T-wave inversion (TWI) in the settings of electrocardiogram (ECG)–left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with advanced diastolic dysfunction (DD) in subjects with preserved ejection fraction (EF). Background: Animal studies suggested that an abnormal transmural repolarization sequence from endocardium to epicardium may contribute to DD. However, little is known about abnormal repolarization sequence and DD in humans. Methods: We studied 231 patients with ECG-diagnosed LVH and with an EF of 50% or greater (measured within 6 months of the index ECG). T-wave inversion was assessed on leads I, aVL, V4, V5, or V6. Diastolic dysfunction was defined based on echocardiographic estimation of the left atrial pressure. We used multiple logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio of DD comparing patients with TWI with those without TWI. Results: The average age was 65.0 ± 14.2 years, and 61% were women. The mean EF was 61.8% ± 6.6%. Patients with TWIs were more likely to have coronary artery disease (P = .013) and diabetes (P = .007). There was a 5.6-fold increased odds of DD in patients with TWI compared with those without TWI in a model adjusting for sex, age, relative wall thickness, body mass index, hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking. When comparing different echocardiographic estimates of the left atrial pressure, patients with TWI displayed higher values for septal and lateral E/e′, left atrial volume index, and right ventricular/right atrial peak systolic gradient (P < .01 for each parameter). Conclusions: T-wave inversion is associated with increased odds of DD in patients with ECG-LVH with preserved systolic function. The reversal of the normal sequence of repolarization manifested on the 12-lead ECG as TWI may be a factor to DD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background--T-wave inversion in right precordial leads V1, to V3 is a relatively common finding in a 12-lead ECG of children and adolescents and is infrequently found also in healthy adults. However, this ECG pattern can also be the first presentation of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. The prevalence and prognostic significance of T-wave inversions in the middle-aged general population are not well known. Methods and Results--We evaluated 12-lead ECGs of 10 899 Finnish middle-aged subjects (52% men, mean age 44±8.5 years) recorded between 1966 and 1972 for the presence of inverted T waves and followed the subjects for 30± 11 years. Primary end points were all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and arrhythmic death. T-wave inversions in right precordial leads V1, to V3 were present in 54 (0.5%) of the subjects. In addition, 76 (0.7%) of the subjects had inverted T waves present only in leads other than V1, to V3. Right precordial T-wave inversions did not predict increased mortality (not significant for all end points). However, inverted T waves in leads other than V1, to V3 were associated with an increased risk of cardiac and arrhythmic death (P<0.001 for both). Conclusions--T-wave inversions in right precordial leads are relatively rare in the general population, and are not associated with adverse outcome. Increased mortality risk associated with inverted T waves in other leads may reflect the presence of an underlying structural heart disease. INSET: CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]