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J-wave formation in patients with acute intracranial hypertension

Agata Milewska1, Przemyslaw Guzik, Magdalena Rudzka

  • 1Department of Cardiology-Intensive Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland. aamille@wp.pl

Journal of Electrocardiology
|June 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes like sinus bradycardia and QT prolongation are common in increased intracranial pressure. This study highlights the rare, dynamic appearance of J waves in patients with elevated intracranial pressure due to various brain conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a critical condition associated with diverse neurological pathologies.
  • Electrocardiography (ECG) is frequently used to monitor cardiac function in these patients.
  • Known ECG manifestations of elevated ICP include sinus bradycardia, QT prolongation, and ST-T wave changes.

Observation:

  • J waves on ECG are an uncommon finding, particularly in the context of elevated ICP.
  • This report details three distinct cases of increased intracranial pressure.
  • The cases involved different underlying cerebral pathologies leading to the observed ECG abnormalities.

Findings:

  • The primary finding is the dynamic, time-dependent formation of J waves in patients with increased intracranial pressure.
  • These J waves were observed alongside other, more typical ECG changes associated with elevated ICP.
  • The occurrence of J waves, though rare, was noted across different etiologies of increased ICP.

Implications:

  • The dynamic appearance of J waves may serve as a specific, albeit rare, indicator of elevated intracranial pressure.
  • Recognizing this ECG pattern could aid in the early diagnosis and management of neurological emergencies.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise electrophysiological mechanisms linking J waves to increased ICP.

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