Critical Cases in Electrocardiography

Emergency and critical care providers are often challenged by patients with acute cardiorespiratory symptoms and abnormal electrocardiograms. Critical Cases in Electrocardiography emphasizes clinically-relevant topics, focusing squarely on situations where interpretation of the ECG contributes to clinical decision-making. This atlas is unique, in that it includes numerous examples of ECG 'misses' - cases where the computer algorithm or the clinicians (or both) got the diagnosis wrong. While many textbooks include only smaller, black and white ECG tracings, which do not resemble actual clinical practice, this volume is designed to encourage self-study of the ECG by including full-page tracings in their natural color. The book focuses on 'don't miss' ECG tracings in order to help readers advance beyond the stage of 'competent' electrocardiographer. Anatomic and electrophysiologic correlations are emphasized throughout the work, helping readers appreciate the anatomic and electrical origins of the ECG abnormalities, rather than relying solely on pattern memorization.

    The atlas format encourages quick review of clinical cases, focusing on the ECG tracings
    Includes real-life examples of 'easy-to-miss' presentations of common emergencies, teaching advanced readers to diagnose critical emergencies
    Anatomic and electrophysiologic correlations are emphasized throughout, helping readers appreciate the anatomic and electrical origins of the ECG abnormalities rather than relying solely on pattern memorization

Table of Contents

1. The normal electrocardiogram: a brief review
2. Inferior wall myocardial infarction
3. Anterior wall myocardial infarction
4. Posterior wall myocardial infarction
5. The electrocardiography of shortness of breath
6. Confusing conditions: ST-segment depressions and T-wave inversions
7. Confusing conditions: ST-segment elevations and tall T-waves (coronary mimics)
8. Critical cases at 3:00 A.M.

 

Steven R. Lowenstein, MD, MPH, is Professor of Emergency Medicine and Medicine and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He has extensive responsibilities teaching electrocardiogram interpretation to medical students and emergency medicine and family medicine residents. He has received numerous local and national awards and honors for his work as an educator and emergency medicine clinician and for his efforts to promote diversity, professionalism and public health and safety