Biomedical subjects

Deepak Thatai

Publications and source records attributed to Deepak Thatai.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Common errors in computer electrocardiogram interpretation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and nature of errors in computer electrocardiogram (ECG) reading. METHODS: The ECGs were collected in the tertiary care VA Hospital from both inpatients and outpatients. They were read by the electrocardiograph built-in computer software, and then reread by two cardiologists. Statistical analysis was performed using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicted value to analyze the data. An error index was formulated as indicator of diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Out of 2072 ECGs, 776 (37.5%) were normal, and 1296 (62.5%) were abnormal. In 9.9% of all ECGs and in 15.9% of abnormal ECGs there were significant disagreements between the computer and cardiologists. The errors in diagnosis of arrhythmia, conduction disorders and electronic pacemakers accounted for 178 cases, or 86.4% of all errors. The rest was represented by misdetection of chamber enlargement (7 cases, 3.4%), misdiagnosis of ischemia and acute myocardial infarction (16 cases, 7.8%), and lead misplacement (5 cases, 2.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent errors in computer ECG interpretation are related to arrhythmias, conduction disorders, and electronic pacemakers. Computer ECG diagnosis of life threatening conditions e.g. acute myocardial infarction or high degree AV blocks are frequently not accurate (40.7% and 75.0% errors, respectively). Improvement in the diagnostic algorithms should focus on these areas. Error index is a convenient and informative tool for evaluation of diagnostic accuracy.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗

PubMed2006

Pharmacological prevention of thromboembolism in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

Chronic left ventricular systolic dysfunction is a well recognized problem with an increasingly significant impact on healthcare in the form of congestive heart failure (CHF). Advances in medicine have led to improved survival after myocardial infarction (MI) and as a result, an increased prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. An increased incidence of thromboembolism, especially stroke, in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction is also well recognized. Pharmacological strategies to prevent stroke have been proposed in numerous studies. For example, anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure has been shown to reduce mortality rates and the incidence of stroke; however, its role in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and normal sinus rhythm is unclear and utilization of anticoagulation in these patients varies widely. The role of aspirin to prevent thromboembolism in patients with CHF is controversial. The relatively new pharmacological agent ximelagatran, which has an advantage of unmonitored oral administration has the potential to change the anticoagulation strategy in patients with heart failure. Important trials to define optimal therapy for reducing the risk of thromboembolism and death in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and sinus rhythm include the recently reported WATCH (Warfarin and Antiplatelet Therapy in Chronic Heart failure) trial and the WARCEF (Warfarin versus Aspirin in Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction) trial, which is currently underway. The WATCH trial failed to outline significant differences between aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), warfarin, and clopidogrel in the primary composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, nonfatal MI, and nonfatal stroke. Combined data from WATCH and WARCEF may provide sufficient statistical power to clarify outcomes such as stroke and death in patients with reduced cardiac ejection fraction. The pooled data may also help define optimal preventative measures for thromboembolism in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and sinus rhythm.

Anticoagulants↗

PubMed2004

Clinico-pathological evaluation of restrictive cardiomyopathy (endomyocardial fibrosis and idiopathic restrictive cardiomyopathy) in India.

BACKGROUND: Restrictive heart disease is characterized by impairment of ventricular filling during diastole with preserved systolic function. The clinical and histopathological profile on endomyocardial biopsy of a cohort of patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is presented. METHODOLOGY: The medical records of patients presenting with heart failure with systemic congestion, subsequently diagnosed as restrictive heart disease after evaluation including cardiac catheterisation, were studied retrospectively to determine the clinical spectrum of restrictive cardiomyopathy. The diagnosis of RCM was made, based on systemic congestion with dilated atria and near normal ventricular size and function. Only patients who had an endomyocardial biopsy were included in the study. Patients with chronic constrictive pericarditis and secondary restrictive heart disease mainly amyloidosis were excluded from the study. RESULTS: All 52 patients had heart failure with normal or near normal left ventricular size and function. Based on right and left ventricle angiography, patients were classified into two groups. Group I with findings suggestive of EMF (n=30) and Group II no evidence of EMF on angiography i.e. 'idiopathic RCM' (IRCM) (n=22). Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. Echocardiography revealed typical features of endomyocardial fibrosis in Group I patients, with apical obliteration of right and left ventricular apices. Group II patients had no apex obliteration (except in four patients, who were misclassified and in whom angiography did not show apex obliteration). The Group II patients had features of IRCM in the form of normal left and right ventricular size and function with restrictive features of doppler filling along with dilated left and right atria. Angiocardiography in EMF patients showed isolated RV involvement in only two patients. In the remaining 28 patients, the obliterative changes were biventricular with RV involvement more severe than LV involvement. Angiographic findings in Group II (IRCM) patients were unremarkable with preservation of normal trabecular pattern and absence of obliterative changes. Mild atrioventricular regurgitation was present in 10/22 patients. Histopathological examination revealed that endocardial thickening was more common (77% vs. 23%) in EMF patients. The presence of myocyte hypertrophy (70-80%), myocytolysis (40-50%) and interstitial fibrosis (46-56%) were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of our patients had biventricular EMF. A significant number of patients had clinical hemodynamic features of restrictive heart disease but no evidence of EMF on angiography. These IRCM patients had similar clinical profiles to EMF but on endomyocardial biopsy the endocardial thickening was minimal and seen in few patients (5/22).

Adolescent↗