Huang, X., Malek, N., Simpson, J., Kalladka, D., Dunn, F. G. and Leach, J. P. (2021) Winning hearts and minds: ECG reporting in the first seizure clinic. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 21, 364. (doi: 10.1186/s12872-021-02174-4) (PMID:34332536) (PMCID:PMC8325235)
Text
262508.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. 1MB |
Abstract
Background and aims: An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a mandatory test for anyone presenting with loss of consciousness. Many referrals to the first seizure clinic (FSC) are caused by syncope. We assessed the sensitivity of neurologists’ ECG reporting in detecting rhythm abnormalities including some potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions. Methods: We audited patients referred to a FSC in Glasgow over 4 years. All ECGs were interpreted by the attending neurologist as standard practice. Subsequently, two cardiologists reviewed the ECGs independently. Results: Of 160 consecutive patients, 92 patients (58%) were diagnosed as having seizures, 43 (27%) as syncope, and 25 (16%) were unclassified. Twenty eight ECGs thought to be normal by the neurologist were considered abnormal by the cardiologist, including three with long corrected QT interval. The proportion of abnormal ECGs and disparity in reporting between neurologists and cardiologists persisted independent of the underlying diagnosis. Conclusion: Reporting of ECGs by non-cardiologists may not be adequately sensitive in picking up potentially life threatening cardiac conditions. Cardiologist input into FSCs is recommended to enhance the diagnostic yield.
Item Type: | Articles |
---|---|
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Leach, Dr John Paul and Huang, Dr Xuya and Kalladka, Dr Dheeraj |
Authors: | Huang, X., Malek, N., Simpson, J., Kalladka, D., Dunn, F. G., and Leach, J. P. |
College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing |
Journal Name: | BMC Cardiovascular Disorders |
Publisher: | BioMed Central |
ISSN: | 1471-2261 |
ISSN (Online): | 1471-2261 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2021 The Authors |
First Published: | First published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders 21: 364 |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record