Spiked Helmet Sign: An Unusual Pattern of ST-Segment Elevation in Ill Patients
1Cardiovascular Institute, OSF (Order of Saint Francis), Peoria, Illinois, USA; OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, Ottawa, Illinois, USA.
Case Summary:
We here present a case of a patient admitted with acute recurrent pancreatitis. An electrocardiogram (ECG) was obtained to assess clinical deterioration after presentation. The ECG showed sinus tachycardia with severe convex ST-segment elevation in the inferior and anteroseptal leads, with reciprocal ST-segment depression in the lateral leads, worrisome for acute extensive myocardial infarction. An emergency heart catheterization procedure showed normal coronary arteries. The ECG normalized after 6 hours.
Take-Home Message:
The unique ECG findings are described as a "spiked helmet sign," a pattern of ST-segment elevation seen in critically ill patients in the absence of acute myocardial infarction/ischemia.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
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


