Dr A Röschl's picture

ECG 1 is from a 57-year-old male with no prior cardiac disease. He reports acute shortness of breath for 2 days. We see a sinus rhythm with left anterior fascicular block (LAFB) and conspicuous T-wave inversions in the inferior leads and in V1-V6. These are typical ECG changes that may indicate a pulmonary embolism. ECG 2 was taken from the same patient 1 year earlier. The patient has an acute pulmonary embolism. Sinus tachycardia may be present in acute pulmonary embolism. However, as in this example, the heart rate can also be completely normal.

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Dawn's picture

Thank you for this reminder that pulmonary embolism can cause varied ECG changes. When we expect "classic" signs like S1Q3T3, sinus tachycardia, and RV strain, we may miss an important diagnosis.

Dawn Altman, Admin

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