Validation of a prediction score model to distinguish acute coronary syndromes from other conditions causing raised cardiac troponin T levels.

Objective: Serum cardiac troponins can be elevated in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and other non-ACS conditions. We investigated the usefulness of a prediction score model comprising clinical variables to distinguish patients with ACS from other non-ACS conditions.

Methods: Two independent, non-randomized observational cohorts (groups 1 and 2) were examined, comprising consecutive patients who were admitted to a university teaching hospital and found to have a raised serum troponin T level (>or=0.

An unusual cause of breathlessness in a young man.

Amphetamine abuse is a common problem in the developed world. Cardiomyopathy secondary to amphetamine abuse is rare in the general population. The present report describes a 34-year-old man who presented with shortness of breath.

Catheter induced aortocoronary dissection.

Catheter induced coronary dissection is an uncommon and possibly an underreported complication. We report patient with dissection of left main coronary artery, extending into the ascending aorta following diagnostic angiography and discuss the possible mechanisms.

Clinical presentation and ECG changes--how good is it in diagnosing troponin positive acute coronary syndrome.

Unlabelled: To study the relation between troponin positive acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and electrocardiogram (ECG) changes on admission.

Methods: It was a prospective cohort study looking at patients admitted to the Heart Assessment Center over a period of a month, who were suspected to have an ACS. There were 126 patients in the cohort.