Atrial to Ventricular Fibrillation

Report:

CPR massage artefact throughout

Supraventricular bradycardia, probably atrial fibrillation with slow response

ST segment elevation consistent with infarction or ischæmia

VEB

Ventricular fibrillation

Comment:

The CPR artefact during AF means that the patient is in electromechanical dissociation (EMD)142.

We know that VF starts after the VEB (partially obscured by chest compression artefact) in the third strip because no formed QRS complexes are seen again.

Below (Fig 207a), following DC defibrillation, the ST segment elevation is so extreme that it mimics broad QRS complexes63. The resumption of CPR artefact implies that, ominously, EMD is still present. Alternatively, it may imply the medical attendants are unable to feel the pulse, perhaps bounding in the groin while they are feeling for it in the neck!

207a. VF abolished (second strip), QRSs appear with massive ST segment elevation. They are soon joined by CPR artefacts. The artefacts could be mistaken for native complexes, perhaps VEBs. What precludes it?

208. 62 year old woman with septicæmia and acute coronary insufficiency.

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