Hyperkalemia mimicking de Winter T waves: A case report

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Internal Medicine
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• The "de Winter" electrocardiogram pattern is a critical indicator of acute left anterior descending artery occlusion, necessitating urgent revascularization.
• This specific ECG pattern is often mistaken for other cardiac emergencies, leading to potential diagnostic delays.

Observation:

• A case is presented where severe hyperkalemia mimicked the
• de Winter
• electrocardiogram pattern.
• The patient presented with characteristic ECG changes typically associated with myocardial infarction.

Findings:

• Hyperkalemia, an electrolyte disorder, can produce ECG findings that closely resemble the
• de Winter
• pattern.
• This mimicry can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate management if electrolyte levels are not promptly assessed.

Implications:

• Physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for electrolyte disturbances, particularly hyperkalemia, when encountering
• de Winter
• -like
• ECG findings.
• Prompt electrolyte correction is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure timely, appropriate treatment for the underlying cause.