How can you tell the difference between pericarditis and MI?

How can you tell the difference between pericarditis and MI?

The pattern of ST-segment elevation is important in the diagnosis of acute pericarditis. The ST-segment elevation that occurs during acute pericarditis is usually “concave,” compared with the “convex” appearance of the ST segment that occurs during the acute injury stage of a myocardial infarction.

What does pericarditis look like on echocardiogram?

An echo will show the classic signs of constrictive pericarditis, including a stiff or thick pericardium that constricts the heart’s normal movement. Cardiac MRI to check for extra fluid in the pericardium, pericardial inflammation or thickening, or compression of the heart.

Can ECG be normal in 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.

What is the J point on an ECG?

Introduction. The J point denotes the junction of the QRS complex and the ST segment on the electrocardiogram (ECG), marking the end of depolarization and beginning of repolarization.

What is the characteristic finding when you are examining a patient with pericarditis?

Characteristic clinical findings in pericarditis include pleuritic chest pain and pericardial friction rub on auscultation of the left lower sternal border. Electrocardiography may reveal diffuse PR-segment depressions and diffuse ST-segment elevations with upward concavity.

Can pericarditis be missed on ECG?

] suggested that PR-segment deviation is the earliest ECG change in patients with acute pericarditis. Therefore, PR-segment deviation seen in ECG must be important in terms of acute pericarditis diagnosis. We have called this type of pericarditis as atypical pericarditis, for acute pericarditis diagnosis may be missed.

Which ECG leads are not affected by pericarditis?

Keep into account that in stage I pericarditis, ST-elevation is present in all leads except in aVR, V1 and III.

How do you read an ECG pericarditis?

Pericarditis ECG Review

1. 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.
2. Stage II: ST segment elevation and PR depression have resolved and T waves may be normal or flattened.

What is Epsilon wave?

Epsilon wave definition. The epsilon (ε) wave can be defined as an electric signal of depolarization observed between the end of the QRS complex and the beginning of the T wave.

Does pericarditis show up in an EKG?

The electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) shows electrical activity of the heart. 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 .

What are the differential diagnoses for acute pericarditis?

Differential Diagnoses of Acute Pericarditis Acute coronary syndrome Angina pectoris Coronary artery vasospasm Esophageal spasm Gastroesophageal reflux disease Pulmonary embolism

What causes change in EKG?

Enlargement of the heart or specific chambers of the heart also cause EKG changes. A wide variety of conditions, ranging from certain infections to lupus, can inflame the heart muscle or its lining leading to characteristic EKG abnormalities.

What is inflammation of the pericardium?

Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, a thin, two-layered sac that surrounds your heart. The layers have a small amount of fluid between them to prevent friction when the heart beats. When the layers are inflamed, it can result in chest pain.