Wednesday 16 August 2017

ECG of the Week - 14th August 2017 - Interpretation

The following ECG is from a 74 yr old male who presented with suspected cardiac chest pain.





Click to enlarge
Rate:
  • 103 bpm
Rhythm:
  • Regular
  • Abnormal P wave preceding each QRS
  • P wave inversion leads II, III, aVF, V3-6
  • Positive P wave in lead aVR and V1
Axis:
  • Normal
Intervals:
  • PR - Short (~100ms)
  • QRS - Normal (80ms)
  • QT - 330ms (QTc Bazette 430 ms)
Additional:

  • Early R wave transistion
  • Very flat T waves through-out

Interpretation:

  • Ectopic Atrial Tachycardia

The ECG machine failed to recognize the abnormal P wave axis instead reading the ECG as showing delta waves in leads V5-6 and II due to relatively short pr with superimposed p inversion trailing into the QRS. 
Remember always look at the ECG yourself, don't trust the machine and take the ECG to the bedside.

What happened ?


The patient was admitted under the cardiology team for further investigation of suspected ACS. Coronary angiogram showed diffuse non-obstructive coronary disease for medical management. Following commencement of beta-blocker therapy the patient's ECG reverted to normal sinus rhythm with unchanged QRS morphology. 

References / Further Reading

Life in the Fast Lane

Textbook
  • Chan TC, Brady WJ, Harrigan RA, Ornato JP, Rosen P. ECG in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. Elsevier Mosby 2005.

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