Accuracy of Computer Interpretation: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
no edit summary
(Added some references for accuracy of algorithm to identify acute STEMI)
No edit summary
 
(7 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
|supervisor=
|supervisor=
}}
}}
Coming soon...


==References==
Modern ECG equipment often includes some form of algorithm that performs a computer interpretation of the electrocardiogram. It is useful to have some insight into the reliability and pitfalls of computer interpretation so as to be able to assess the value of these interpretations.
 
First of all, it is important to realize that the algorithm used often interprets the raw ECG-signal, i.e., the signal before it is filtered. This means that the ECG that is printed by the machine is not the ECG that is interpreted by the machine. Therefore one has to be very careful in making sure that the signal is 'clean' as possible by:
* cleaning the skin with e.g. alcohol before placing the electrodes
* shaving skin when necessary
* using contact spray or electrodes with contact gel
* carefully checking the electrodes position
 
Different manufacturers of ECG equipment have produced different algorithms for ECG interpretation. Not surprisingly, the accuracy of algorithms therefore differs. One study comparing nine computer algorithms with eight cardiologists found that overall the per cent of correct classifications of computer programs was 69.7% as compared to 76.3% for the cardiologists.<cite>Willems</cite> However, this study was performed in 1991 and algorithms have developed since. Some 'self learning' algorithms have been developed that improve themselves by learning from adjustments that cardiologists make to their diagnosis.


Kudenchuk PJ, Ho MT, Weaver WD, et al. Accuracy of computer-interpreted electrocardiography in selecting patients for thrombolytic therapy. MITI Project Investigators. J Am Coll Cardiol 1991;17(7):1486-91
Much attention has been aimed at the diagnosis of acute cardiac ischemia. This can be challenging if subtle ST segment shifts are present, and ST segment shifts can also be present in healthy persons. A systematic review on the subject found a sensitivity of 76% (95% CI, 54% to 89%) and a specificity of 88% (95% CI, 67% to 96%) for the correct interpretation of acute cardiac ischemia by a computer algorithm. For acute myocardial infarction the sensitivity was 68% (95% CI, 59% to 76%) and the specificity 97% (95% CI, 89% to 92%).<cite>Ioannidis</cite> One study investigating the Marquette 12SL system in the diagnosis of patients eligible for thrombolytic therapy found a sensitivity of 61.5% and specificity of 100%. The authors conclude that reliance on computer interpretation would result in inappropriate underuse of thromobolytic therapy.<cite>Massel</cite>


Massel D, Dawdy JA, Melendez LJ. Strict reliance on a computer algorithm or measurable ST segment criteria may lead to errors in thrombolytic therapy eligibility. Am Heart J 2000;140(2):221-6
A recent scientific statement by a consortium of AHA/ACC and the HRS advises to be prudent when using computer interpretations. The official recommendation reads: "Computer-based interpretation of the ECG is an adjunct to the electrocardiographer, and all computer-based reports require physician overreading. Accurate individual templates should be formed in each lead before final feature extraction and measurement used for diagnostic interpretation." <cite>Kligfield</cite>


Ioannidis JP, Salem D, Chew PW, Lau J. Accuracy and clinical effect of out-of-hospital electrocardiography in the diagnosis of acute cardiac ischemia: a meta-analysis. Ann Emerg Med 2001;37(5):461-70
==References==
<biblio>
#Kudenchuk pmid=2033180
#Massel pmid=10925334
#Ioannidis pmid=11326182
#Willems pmid=1834940
#Kligfield pmid=17322457
#Mason pmid=17322456
</biblio>
114

edits

Navigation menu