The Spiked Helmet Sign: A Concerning Electrocardiographic Finding
Hani Hamade1, Ahmad Jabri2, Adnan Yusaf2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Metrohealth Campus of Case-Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
JACC. Case Reports
|September 10, 2021
Summary
The spiked helmet sign, an electrocardiogram finding, was observed in an 18-year-old male with a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage during a severe respiratory infection hospitalization. This sign is linked to critical illness and increased mortality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Electrocardiography
Background:
- The spiked helmet sign is an uncommon electrocardiogram (ECG) finding.
- Its etiology and clinical significance are not well-understood.
- It can be mistaken for other cardiac pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of the spiked helmet sign in a young patient with a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- To highlight the association of this ECG finding with critical illness.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of an 18-year-old male.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis during hospitalization for severe respiratory infection.
Main Results:
- The spiked helmet sign was identified on the patient's ECG.
- The patient had a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage and presented with severe respiratory infection.
Conclusions:
- The spiked helmet sign may occur in younger patients, not exclusively in the elderly.
- This ECG finding is associated with critical illness and carries a high mortality risk, warranting further investigation.
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