Why does pericarditis cause ST elevation?

Why does pericarditis cause ST elevation?

Abstract. The electrocardiographic changes accompanying pericarditis consist of ST elevation in most of the leads of the 12-lead electrocardiogram. The source of this ST elevation is thought to be local inflammatory changes in the epicardium underlying the inflamed pericardium.

Can pericarditis cause ST-segment elevation?

Compared to STEMI, patients with acute pericarditis often presents with ST-segment elevation and PR-segment depression, and around 80% of these patients may also have elevated troponin. Nevertheless, the ECG characteristics of ST-segment elevation in acute pericarditis is concaved and diffused.

What causes ST elevation in all leads?

The most important cause of ST segment elevation is acute Ischemia. Other causes are [4][6]: Early repolarization. Acute pericarditis: ST elevation in all leads except aVR.

What is the pathophysiology of pericarditis?

Pathophysiology of Pericarditis Acute pericarditis develops quickly, causing inflammation of the pericardial sac and often a pericardial effusion. Inflammation can extend to the epicardial myocardium (myopericarditis). Adverse hemodynamic effects and rhythm disturbance are rare, although cardiac tamponade is possible.

What does an elevated ST segment indicate?

ST-segment elevation usually indicates a total blockage of the involved coronary artery and that the heart muscle is currently dying. Non-STEMI heart attacks usually involve an artery with partial blockage, which usually does not cause as much heart muscle damage.

What is widespread ST elevation?

ST elevation is localized to V1 to V2. Acute pericarditis is typically manifest as widespread ST-segment elevation (I-III, aVF, V3 through V6) without reciprocal ST-segment depression in other leads except aVR (Figure 4). In this condition, PR segment depression is often present and is specific for pericarditis.

Is ST elevation normal with pericarditis?

The pattern of ST-segment elevation is important in the diagnosis of acute pericarditis. The ST-segment elevation that occurs during acute pericarditis is usually “concave,” compared with the “convex” appearance of the ST segment that occurs during the acute injury stage of a myocardial infarction.

Can you have ST elevation in all leads?

In most cases, diffuse STE is seen in all the ECG leads, except in leads aVR and V1, that typically have reciprocal depression of the ST segments (Figure ​ 6). This pattern is often associated with PR depression in all ECG leads, except leads V1 and aVR, which occasionally depict reciprocal PR elevation[23].

Which stage of pericarditis is characterized by ST elevation in almost all ECG leads?

stage I: ST elevation in all leads. PTa depression (depression between the end of the P-wave and the beginning of the QRS- complex)

What is the pathophysiology of cardiac tamponade?

The underlying pathology behind cardiac tamponade is a decreased in diastolic filling, which leads to a decreased cardiac output. One of the first compensatory signs is tachycardia to overcome the reduced output.

What is the clinical presentation of pericarditis?

The most common sign of acute pericarditis is chest pain, usually worsened when taking a deep breath. This pleuritic chest pain begins suddenly, is often sharp, and is felt over the front of the chest. Dull, crushing chest pain, similar to that of a heart attack, can also occur.

What is the pathophysiology of STEMI?

Pathophysiology. STEMI is caused by acute, total occlusion of an epicardial coronary artery, most often due to atherosclerotic plaque rupture/erosion and subsequent thrombus formation.