Neelima Singh

A Case of Acquired Ventricular Septal Defect Complicating Silent Myocardial Infarction: An Unusual Presentation

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare, but serious complication of acute myocardial infarction requiring early surgical intervention. We report a case of a 75-year-old man, who had a silent myocardial infarction followed by an asymptomatic ventricular septal rupture, both of which remained undiagnosed until the patient experienced biventricular failure. Asymptomatic myocardial infarction in elderly may be a risk factor for acquired VSD. Two-dimensional echocardiography is a sensitive, rapid, reliable and safe technique for diagnosing VSD postmyocardial infarction.

The Role of Routine ECG Testing in Preoperative Evaluation Prior to Non Cardiac Surgery

The current study attempts to address an issue which is the need to obtain a preoperative electrocardiography (ECG) in all patients prior to non-cardiac surgery. Significance in patients without symptoms is uncertain. Aims: To study the incidence of ECG abnormalities in preoperative patients posted for elective non-cardiac surgery. 2. To study the co-relation of risk factors with ECG abnormalities. Materials and Methods: All hospitalized clinically stable patients advised ECG for preanesthetic assessment prior to elective non-cardiac surgery were included as subjects. Co-relation of risk factors with ECG abnormalities were studied. Statistical analysis used: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (chi-square test) Results: One hundred and twenty-eight males and 65 females were enrolled for study. Preoperative ECG was normal in 116 (60.10%) and abnormal in 77 (39.90%) patients. Abnormal ECG was more common in those with hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and smoking. No adverse postoperative event was observed in any of the patient. Conclusions: ECG being a simple non-invasive tool should be considered for all patients undergoing elective procedures and should be mandatory for those with risk factors.