In pericarditis, besides the characteristic ST segment elevation, which ECG finding is commonly seen?

Prepare effectively for the Physician Assistant Clinical Knowledge Rating and Assessment Tool (PACKRAT) 1 Exam with comprehensive resources, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Ace your test with ease!

Multiple Choice

In pericarditis, besides the characteristic ST segment elevation, which ECG finding is commonly seen?

Explanation:
Pericarditis inflames the lining around the heart, and this inflammation produces changes on the ECG beyond the diffuse ST elevations. A classic accompanying finding is PR segment depression, which reflects atrial injury currents during atrial repolarization caused by the pericardial inflammation. This PR depression is usually seen across multiple leads, and there can be a reciprocal PR elevation in aVR. T wave inversion can occur later after the ST segments normalize, while Q waves are not typical of pericarditis. So the commonly seen additional ECG change is PR segment depression.

Pericarditis inflames the lining around the heart, and this inflammation produces changes on the ECG beyond the diffuse ST elevations. A classic accompanying finding is PR segment depression, which reflects atrial injury currents during atrial repolarization caused by the pericardial inflammation. This PR depression is usually seen across multiple leads, and there can be a reciprocal PR elevation in aVR. T wave inversion can occur later after the ST segments normalize, while Q waves are not typical of pericarditis. So the commonly seen additional ECG change is PR segment depression.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy