TBC: A simple algorithm to rule out abnormalities in electrocardiograms of patients with pacemakers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to create a straightforward method to rule out abnormalities in electrocardiograms (ECGs) performed in patients with pacemakers.
METHODS: The TBC method screens the ECG for any of the following findings: Tachycardia with pacing spikes, Bradycardia without spikes and Chaos with spikes unrelated to QRS-T complexes. T was considered to advise for patient assessment and B and C to require referral for urgent pacemaker evalu­ation. The diagnostic accuracy of the algorithm was validated using a cohort of 151 ECGs with normal and dysfunctional pacemakers. The effect of the algorithm was then evaluated for diagnostic skills and management of patients with pacemakers by non-cardiologists, comparing their diagnostic accuracy before and after teaching the algorithm.
RESULTS: The TBC algorithm had a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 94% in diagnosing a mal­functioning pacemaker. The diagnostic skills and patient referral were significantly improved (74.8% vs. 89.5%, p < 0.001; and 57.4% vs. 83%, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: TBC is an easy to remember and apply method to rule out severe abnormalities in ECGs of patients with pacemakers. TBC algorithm has a very good diagnostic capability and is easily applied by non-expert physicians with good results.