Topic Reviews A-Z
Pericarditis - ECG
Pericarditis, or inflammation of the pericardium, has typical ECG findings. These findings occur in progressive stages, all of which are seen in about 50% of cases of pericarditis.
Stage I (acute phase): Diffuse concave upward ST segment elevation in most leads, PR depression in most leads (may be subtle), and sometimes notching at the end of the QRS complex.
Stage II: ST segment elevation and PR depression have resolved. T waves may be normal or flattened.
Stage III: T waves are inverted and the ECG is otherwise normal.
Stage IV: The T waves return to the upright position thus the ECG is back to normal.
Insert pericarditis ECGs
Note: The ECG changes of pericarditis must be distinguished from those of early repolarization. The ST elevation seen in early repolarization is very similar; diffuse and concave upward. However three things may help to distinguish pericarditis from early repolarization:
- The ratio of the T wave amplitude to the ST elevation should be > 4 if early repolarization is present. In other words, the T wave in early repolatization is usually 4 times the amplitude of the ST elevation. Another way to describe this would be that the ST elevation is less than 25% of the T wave amplitude in early repolarization.
- The ST elevation in early repolarization resolves when the person exercises.
- Early repolarization, unlike pericarditis, is a benign ECG finding that should not be associated with any symptoms.