Event Overview
Workshop Rationale & Methodology
Acute care medicine demands swift, confident, and structured pattern recognition. The ECG & Acute Diagnostics Bootcamp was curated specifically to bridge the divide between theoretical textbook knowledge and real-time bedside urgency.
Curriculum Highlights
- Systematic 12-Lead Electrocardiography: Axis calculation, chamber enlargement criteria, ischemia patterns, reciprocal changes, and hyperacute T waves.
- Complex Arrhythmias: Narrow-complex vs broad-complex tachycardias, polymorphic VT vs Torsades de Pointes, AV blocks, and pacemakers.
- Blood Gas Reasoning: Anion gap calculation, urine anion gap in non-gap metabolic acidosis, and compensation rules.
Interactive Clinical Case Scenarios
Scenario A: The Syncope in a 32-Year-Old AthleteHigh Yield
History: A 32-year-old male collapses during a high-intensity football match with rapid recovery of consciousness. No previous chest pain or palpitations.
ECG Findings:
- Prolonged QTc interval (510 ms)
- Deep, symmetric T-wave inversions in V1-V4
- Prominent U waves
Diagnostic Reasoning: High clinical index of suspicion for Long QT Syndrome (LQTS Type 2) or Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Avoid QT-prolonging drugs immediately and arrange 24-hour Holter monitoring with cardiac MRI.
Scenario B: Severe Metabolic Acidosis with Normal Anion GapDiagnostic Tree
When evaluating a patient with severe metabolic acidosis (pH 7.18, HCO3 11 mEq/L) and a normal anion gap (10 mEq/L):
- 1.Calculate the Urine Anion Gap (UAG = Na + K - Cl).
- 2.If UAG is negative: Indicates intact renal ammonium excretion — suspect GI bicarbonate loss (severe diarrhea).
- 3.If UAG is positive or zero: Indicates impaired renal acid secretion — suspect Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA Type 1 or Type 4).
Hands-On Practical Stations
| Station | Focus Area | Key Skill |
|---|---|---|
| Station 1 | Ischemia Localization | Identifying subtle Wellens and de Winter patterns |
| Station 2 | Acute Bradyarrhythmias | External transcutaneous pacing setup |
| Station 3 | Triple Acid-Base Disorders | Delta-Delta ratio calculation in mixed DKA & vomiting |
| Station 4 | Emergency CXR & Bedside POCUS | Rapid pneumothorax and pulmonary edema triage |