ECG Case 014
Middle aged patient presenting with central chest pain. What does the ECG show?
Describe and interpret this ECG
ECG ANSWER and INTERPRETATION
Evidence of inferolateral STEMI:
- ST elevation in the inferior leads (II, III, aVF)
- ST elevation in the lateral leads (I, V5, V6)
Evidence of concurrent posterior STEMI:
- Horizontal ST depression in V1-4 (maximal in V2-3)
- Dominant R wave in V2 (R/S ratio > 1)
- Upright T wave in V2
This pattern of infero-postero-lateral STEMI is most likely caused by occlusion of a dominant left circumflex artery.
CLINICAL PEARLS
Tips for spotting posterior infarction
Look specifically at lead V2 for the combination of
- Horizontal ST depression
- Tall, broad R wave (>30ms wide, R/S ratio > 1) — this is a Q-wave equivalent
- Upright T wave — particularly the terminal portion of the T wave
One common trick is to turn the ECG over, hold it up to the light and look through it from behind. This inverts lead V2, which then takes on the appearance of a classic STEMI.
Look for evidence of posterior involvement in any patient with an inferior or lateral STEMI.
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether ST depression in V2-3 is due to posterior STEMI or simply subendocardial ischaemia affecting the anteroseptal wall. The diagnosis can be confirmed by recording posterior leads V7-9. However, poor transmission of current through aerated lung means ST elevation in posterior leads is not always evident, and normal posterior leads do not exclude posterior infarction.
References
Further Reading
- Wiesbauer F, Kühn P. ECG Mastery: Yellow Belt online course. Understand ECG basics. Medmastery
- Wiesbauer F, Kühn P. ECG Mastery: Blue Belt online course: Become an ECG expert. Medmastery
- Kühn P, Houghton A. ECG Mastery: Black Belt Workshop. Advanced ECG interpretation. Medmastery
- Rawshani A. Clinical ECG Interpretation ECG Waves
- Smith SW. Dr Smith’s ECG blog.
TOP 100 ECG Series
Emergency Physician in Prehospital and Retrieval Medicine in Sydney, Australia. He has a passion for ECG interpretation and medical education | ECG Library |
Adult/Paediatric Emergency Medicine Advanced Trainee in Melbourne, Australia. Special interests in diagnostic and procedural ultrasound, medical education, and ECG interpretation. Co-creator of the LITFL ECG Library. Twitter: @rob_buttner