This study investigates a new way to diagnose severe heart attacks in patients who have a specific electrical heart pattern called a Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB). When patients present to the emergency department with chest pain, doctors routinely perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for a heart attack. However, the presence of an LBBB can alter the heart's electrical signals on the ECG, effectively masking or hiding the typical signs of an ongoing acute coronary occlusion (a completely blocked artery). This making it highly challenging for emergency physicians to make an accurate and rapid diagnosis.
The primary purpose of this prospective and observational research is to develop and evaluate an artificial intelligence/machine learning (ML) model that can analyze digital 12-lead ECG signals to accurately predict a true blocked coronary artery in patients with LBBB. The machine learning model will analyze raw digital ECG waveforms to detect subtle, microscopic patterns that might be missed by the human eye.
To confirm the accuracy of the model, its predictions will be compared directly with invasive coronary angiography results, which is the gold standard reference method used to visualize blocked vessels. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate if the model can differentiate between a true heart attack caused by a blocked artery (Type 1 MI) and other non-occlusive conditions that cause elevated heart enzymes (Type 2 MI). Ultimately, the investigators intend to determine whether integrating this machine learning tool into emergency care can safely reduce the rate of unnecessary emergency invasive procedures for patients who do not have a true coronary blockage.
Patients aged 18 years and older who present to the emergency department. Patients presenting with acute ischemic chest pain or clinical ischemia-equivalent symptoms (such as acute dyspnea, unexplained diaphoresis, or syncope).
Patients under the age of 18. Pregnant or lactating women. Patients with poor-quality or uninterpretable digital ECG recordings due to severe artifact, missing leads, or technical errors.
The study population consists of adult patients who present to the emergency department of a major tertiary care referral and research hospital (Konya City Hospital) with clinical symptoms highly suggestive of acute myocardial ischemia (such as chest pain or dyspnea) and whose initial 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrates a Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB). This population represents a real-world, unselected cohort of emergency patients requiring immediate diagnostic workup and potential emergent or urgent invasive coronary angiography for suspected acute coronary occlusion.
Cohort
Prospective
Digital 12-Lead ECG Analysis and Invasive Coronary Angiography
Other interventionStandard 12-lead digital electrocardiogram (ECG) data recorded during the emergency department index visit will be analyzed using a developed machine learning model. The model's predictions will be compared against the results of standard invasive coronary angiography (the gold standard reference method) performed as part of routine clinical care.
Diagnostic Performance for Occlusive Acute Myocardial Infarction
Evaluation of the developed machine learning model's diagnostic performance in predicting angiographically proven acute coronary occlusion (defined as TIMI 0-1 flow or equivalent true occlusion during catheterization). The primary metrics to evaluate this outcome will include the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve (AUC), Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), and Negative Predictive Value (NPV).
Title: Differentiation Performance Between Type 1 MI and Type 2 MI
Evaluation of the machine learning model's performance (measured by AUC, sensitivity, and specificity) to distinguish between acute coronary occlusion (Type 1 MI) and non-occlusive ischemic myocardial injury or supply-demand mismatch presenting with elevated cardiac troponin (Type 2 MI).
Projected Reduction Rate of Unnecessary Angiographies
Simulation and post-hoc analysis to quantify the potential relative reduction in the rate of emergency invasive coronary angiographies among LBBB patients without true coronary occlusion by applying the model's diagnostic probability scores.
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