Sgarbossa criteria
Pronunciation: sgar-BO-sa
ECG criteria for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction in patients with left bundle branch block.
Full Definition
Sgarbossa criteria are electrocardiographic rules used to diagnose acute myocardial infarction in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) or ventricular paced rhythms. The original criteria include: ST elevation ≥1 mm concordant with QRS complex (5 points), ST depression ≥1 mm in V1, V2, or V3 (3 points), and ST elevation ≥5 mm discordant with QRS complex (2 points). A score ≥3 points indicates acute MI with high specificity. Modified Sgarbossa criteria have improved sensitivity by replacing the 5 mm discordant ST elevation with proportionally excessive discordant ST elevation (ST/S ratio ≤-0.25). These criteria are essential in emergency cardiology as LBBB can mask typical STEMI changes.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Dr. Elena Sgarbossa; capitalize as proper noun.
In Context
- "The ECG met Sgarbossa criteria with a score of 5 points, indicating acute STEMI despite LBBB." — Emergency physician documentation
- "Modified Sgarbossa criteria were applied to improve sensitivity for acute MI detection." — Cardiology research protocol