EHJ-ACVC - Spot the Diagnosis section

A picture is worth a thousand words...

The editorial team of the European Heart Journal – Acute Cardiovascular Care is aiming to take this classic quote literally (although we can only offer 500 words), with the announcement of a new feature for the journal: ‘SPOT the DIAGNOSIS’.

In this new section beginning in September 2021, authors are invited to publish an educational image on acute cardiovascular care, which will serve as the journal's front page, accompanied by a short description published inside.

Priority is granted to images that either provide a classic educational message or have a truly unique appearance. Although the nature of the image may vary from a clinical sign, emergency care situation, monitoring interface, electrocardiogram, or medical imaging result, only topics of interest to cardiac or intensive care are considered.

Spot the Diagnosis June 2025 Challenge

#AcuteCVDays may be over, but not the challenging cases – take a peek at the new #SpotTheDiagnosis case. (image in attachment)

Silent stenosis to sudden shock: the unplanned culprit

What are the next best steps in the management of this patient?

IV heparin, dual antiplatelet therapy, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, consideration of thrombectomy.
Vasopressor support, urgent transthoracic echocardiography, preparation for mechanical circulatory support—request cardiothoracic surgeon backup.
Intracoronary nitroglycerin, serial ECG monitoring, repeat angiographic views, possible PCI.
Supplemental 100% oxygen, guidewire insertion, catheter aspiration through guiding/microcatheter, intracoronary saline/contrast flushes, intracoronary vasodilators (e.g. adenosine, nitroprusside).

For more updates and new groundbreaking science in area of #cvacute follow us on social media #EHJACVC @EHJACVCEiC.

Spot the Diagnosis February 2025 Challenge

Are you ready for another challenging #SpotTheDiagnosis case?

A mysterious cause of myocardial infarction: look beyond his coronary vessels

What do these images tell you? What is the most likely diagnosis?

Infective endocarditis
Polyarteritis nodosa
Systemic lupus erythematous with fibromuscular dysplasia
Takayasu arteritis

For more updates and new groundbreaking science in area of #cvacute follow us on social media #EHJACVC @EHJACVCEiC.

A 44-year-old man with a history of hypertension and smoking arrived at the emergency department with a 2-day history of oppressive chest pain associated with diaphoresis and nausea. Physical examination revealed high blood pressure (170/100 mmHg) and no signs of heart failure. Serial 12-lead electrocardiogram showed dynamic changes of T wave in V5 and V6, and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin levels were increased (443 ng/mL). Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was performed at the bedside showing the following findings:
What is the likely aetiology of this patient’s chief complaint?