Can you have normal ECG with pericarditis?

In pericarditis, there are hallmark changes that are seen and can help make the diagnosis. While an abnormal EKG is helpful in making the diagnosis, in the early stages of inflammation, the EKG may be normal. In most cases of uncomplicated pericarditis, a chest X-ray is usually normal.

How does pericarditis show on an ECG?

ECG of a patient with acute pericarditis. Diffuse concave-upward ST-segment elevation, ST-segment depression in aVR, and PR-segment depression is best demonstrated in leads II and V3. Note lack of reciprocal ST-segment changes, an important feature differentiating acute pericarditis from acute myocardial infarction.

Why does pericarditis cause ST segment elevation?

The source of this ST elevation is thought to be local inflammatory changes in the epicardium underlying the inflamed pericardium. The current from this area of ST elevation must return to some unaffected region of the heart and this should be associated with a region of ST depression.

Can pericarditis cause ST elevation?

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium. This can lead to ST elevation in all leads. Therefore, it is important to distinguish pericarditis from a myocardial infarction, which has more acute complaints and ST-elevations are limited to the infarct area.

What triggers pericarditis?

Pericarditis may be caused by infection, autoimmune disorders, inflammation after a heart attack, chest injury, cancer, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), kidney failure, medical treatments (such as certain medicines or radiation therapy to the chest), or heart surgery.

Which is the best litfl ECG for pericarditis?

LITFL Top 100 ECG. pericarditis Spodick’s sign A review of the ECG features of myocarditis – Myocardial inflammation in the absence of ischaemia. Life in the Fast Lane LITFL ECG Library

How to interpret a litfl Top 100 ECG?

Young adult patient with pleuritic chest pain. Describe and interpret this ECG. LITFL Top 100 ECG. pericarditis Spodick’s sign A review of the ECG features of myocarditis – Myocardial inflammation in the absence of ischaemia.

How is the ECG of pericarditis different from acute myocardial infarction?

The ECG in pericarditis is quite typical (Figure 2). 6 – 8 It mainly differs from acute myocardial infarction as the ST segment elevation is not localised to a coronary vascular territory and there is usually absence of reciprocal ST segment depression. This is evident in AP’s ECG (Figure 1).

Is the litfl ECG library a free resource?

ECG Library Function LITFL ECG library is a free educational resource covering over 100 ECG topics relevant to Emergency Medicine and Critical Care. All our ECGs are free to reproduce for educational purposes, provided: The image is credited to litfl.com.