False ST elevation in a modified 12-lead surface electrocardiogram
Mehrdad Seilanian Toosi1, Miroslaw T Sochanski
1Department of Medicine, Saint Joseph Hospital, Chicago, IL 60657, USA. mehrdadstoosi@aol.com
Abstract:
Precise recording of the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is technically time consuming. Placing limb leads on the torso has the major advantages of ease of use, increased speed of application, and decreased artifact. This modified ECG frequently substitutes for the standard 12-lead ECG in intensive care units to detect ischemia, although its implementation should be limited to interpreting arrhythmias. We describe a patient who was misdiagnosed with acute inferior myocardial infarction in a modified 12-lead ECG. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report regarding detection of false ST elevations in this setting. Always, a standard 12-lead ECG is recommended to evaluate any ST-T changes.
Related Concept Videos
Electrocardiogram
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...
Electrocardiogram Fundamentals
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin to...
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies


