Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
09:23
Confirmation of Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Mice Using Surface Pad Electrocardiography
Published on: November 24, 2016
Brugada-like early repolarisation pattern associated with acute pericarditis
O Ozeke1, M T Selcuk, S Topaloglu
1Department of Cardiology, Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. ozcanozeke@gmail.com
Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ
|November 30, 2006
Summary
Acute pericarditis can mimic Brugada syndrome on electrocardiograms. Saddleback ST-segment elevation is not a reliable indicator for Brugada syndrome, emphasizing accurate ECG interpretation for correct diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Acute pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, often presenting with chest pain and characteristic electrocardiogram (ECG) changes.
- Brugada syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal ECG findings and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
- Distinguishing between these conditions is crucial for appropriate patient management.
Observation:
- Two cases of acute pericarditis exhibited ECG patterns that mimicked Brugada-like or early repolarization syndromes.
- Specifically, saddleback-type ST-segment elevation was observed in these patients.
- These ECG findings can be misleading in the context of acute pericarditis.
Findings:
- The observed ECG patterns in acute pericarditis can closely resemble those seen in Brugada syndrome.
- Saddleback-type ST-segment elevation, while sometimes associated with Brugada syndrome, is not a sensitive or specific finding for this condition.
- Accurate interpretation of the full clinical context and ECG is essential.
Implications:
- Misinterpretation of ECG findings in acute pericarditis can lead to incorrect diagnoses, such as Brugada syndrome.
- This can result in unnecessary investigations and potentially inappropriate treatments.
- Emphasizes the importance of comprehensive ECG analysis and clinical correlation for accurate diagnosis and management of cardiac conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
01:30Cardiac Action Potential
Cardiac action potentials are essential for proper heart function, enabling the rhythmic contractions needed for adequate blood circulation. Nodal cells and Purkinje fibers, specialized for electrical conduction, generate these action potentials.
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials
01:18Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
01:22Pericarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...