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Electrocardiographic abnormalities in acute pancreatitis.
R Pezzilli1, B Barakat, P Billi
1Emergency Department, Sant'Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
Summary
Over half of acute pancreatitis patients show electrocardiographic abnormalities, often linked to electrolyte imbalances. This study quantifies these cardiac changes in pancreatitis patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities have been anecdotally linked to acute pancreatitis.
- However, comprehensive data on the frequency and types of ECG changes in this patient population are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and specific types of electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis.
- To investigate the association between these ECG findings and the severity of pancreatitis or electrolyte disturbances.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 56 consecutive acute pancreatitis patients without prior heart disease underwent a standard 12-lead ECG and serum electrolyte analysis upon admission.
- A control group of 19 healthy subjects was included for comparison.
- Patients were stratified into mild (n=41) and severe (n=15) pancreatitis groups.
Main Results:
- Electrocardiographic abnormalities were detected in 29 out of 56 patients (51.8%).
- Common abnormalities included T-wave/ST-segment changes (14 patients), bradycardia (8 patients), and intraventricular conduction disturbances (7 patients).
- Electrolyte alterations were present in 17 of the 29 patients with ECG abnormalities (52.6%).
Conclusions:
- More than half of acute pancreatitis patients exhibit electrocardiographic abnormalities.
- These cardiac changes, particularly T-wave/ST-segment alterations and conduction issues, frequently coexist with electrolyte imbalances.
- ECG monitoring may be valuable in assessing acute pancreatitis patients, especially those with electrolyte disturbances.