ECG CHANGES DURING UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT ENDOSCOPY (A PROSPECTIVE STUDY)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the cardiac changes and complications that occurred in patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy. The study was conducted from January 2002 to December 2002at Basrah General Hospital and Al-Sadir Teaching Hospital. One hundred and forty eight patients complaining of upper gastrointestinal tract disorders were included in this study. Detailed history, physical examination and ECG was taken before, during and half hour after endoscopic examination. Patients were divided into two groups according if they have previous cardiopulmonary diseases. One hundred and forty eight patients included in the study, 91 males and 57 females. The age group between 20–40 years represent the commonest group underwent oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy (O.G.D) examination. All ECG changes that developed in patients before endoscopic examination arise from those who had cardiopulmonary diseases. Forty-two (40.4%) and 21 (47.7%) patients from group I. and group II. respectively showed abnormal ECG changes while 18 (17.3%) and 13 (29.5%) patients from group I. and group II. respectively showed abnormal ECG findings half hour after endoscopic examination . Bradycardia represents the commonest ECG changes occurred during and half hour after examination. We concluded that OGD is a safe procedure but in elderly patients and those with cardiopulmonary disease ECG monitoring should be done during endoscopic examination Bas J Surg, March, 12, 2006

Keywords

• ecg
• gastrointestinal
• endoscopy