Limitations of automated computer electrocardiogram analysis

Aim. To draw the attention of physicians to the need for careful analysis of electrocardiograms, especially those obtained by using an automatic analyzer, with the obligatory account of the clinical picture of the disease. Methods. Normal electrocardiography, electrocardiography with the usage of a diagnostic system «Valenta», echocardiography, clinical examination of a patient with fibrosing alveolitis. Results. In the patient with fibrosing alveolitis the automatic analyzer of electrocardiograms «Valenta» misinterpreted the 3S-type of the electrocardiogram as a left anterior fascicular bundle branch block, and the doctor-functionalist did not notice the error. Taking into account the clinical picture of disease and monitoring of the dynamics of electrocardiogram the misinterpretation error was corrected. Presented were the arguments for understanding the pathogenesis of changes in the electrocardiogram in a patient with progressive Hamman-Rich disease. Conclusion. Diagnostic algorithms for automated interpretation of the electrocardiogram have limitations in terms of universal recognition of heart disease; the electrocardiogram report, even in the presence of the auto-interpretation, must be a formulated by a physician taking into account both the clinical picture of the disease as well as other diagnostic methods of patient examination.

electrocardiography, automated interpretation, physician’s visual inspection of the electrocardiogram, 3S syndrome, fibrosing alveolitis