ECG manifestations of multiple electrolyte imbalance: peaked T wave to P wave ("tee-pee sign")
Amer M Johri1, Adrian Baranchuk, Christopher S Simpson
1Arrhythmia Service, Kingston General Hospital, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
The surface electrocardiogram (ECG) is a useful instrument in the detection of metabolic disturbances. The accurate characterization of these disturbances, however, may be considerably more difficult when more than one metabolic abnormality is present in the same individual. While "classic" ECG presentations of common electrolyte disturbances are well described, multiple electrolyte disturbances occurring simultaneously may generate ECG abnormalities that are not as readily recognizable. We report a case of hyperkalemia, with concurrent hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia resulting in (1) peaking of the T wave, (2) a prominent U wave, and (3) prolongation of the descending limb of the T wave such that it overlapped with the next P wave. In this particular ECG from a patient with combined electrolyte imbalance, we have dubbed the unusual appearance of the segment between the peak of the T wave to the next P wave as the "tee-pee" sign.
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