Abstract
During the early phase of acute myocardial infarction, ECG may not show classical elevation of the ST-segment. All ST-segment elevations are not due to myocardial infarction. Several other conditions can cause ST-segment elevation. Differentiating electrocardiographic features are discussed with representative electrocardiograms. In the context of myocardial infarction, electrocardiographic leads showing ST-segment elevation reflect the site of infarction and the vessel involved. Details of differentiating features are discussed with explanatory diagrams and representative electrocardiograms. Elevation of the ST-segment in some leads suggest a serious condition requiring urgent intervention. These are discussed with explanatory diagrams and representative electrocardiograms. Summary and MCQs at the end of the chapter help in quick revision and self-assessment.
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Appendices
Summary
-
Beginning of the normal ST-segment is mildly upsloping or isoelectric depending on weather it starts from the end of the S wave or the R wave, respectively. In leads V1 and V2, it may show mild upward convexity. In leads V5 and V6 it may show early uptake (early repolarization variant). Soon after onset, the ST-segment leaves the baseline and merges smoothly with the proximal limb of the T wave. There is no horizontal or isoelectric portion.
-
Diffuse coved ST-segment elevation is seen in coronary vasospasm and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (stress cardiomyopathy).
-
Coved ST-segment localized to the territory of a coronary artery is seen in transmural injury or ventricular aneurysm. ST-segment elevation of more than 1 mm is considered significant in leads V5 and V6. Elevation of more than 2 mm is considered significant in leads V1, V2, and V3. ST-segment elevation greater in V1 than in V2 suggest occlusion of right coronary artery.
-
ST-segment elevation in leads V1 to V3 is usual in:
-
Occlusion of a septal branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery. ST-segment is coved. It may accompany right bundle branch block.
-
ST-segment may also be elevated in lead V3R in occlusion of conus branch of right coronary artery.
-
Acute pulmonary thromboembolism.
-
Other electrocardiographic findings include sinus tachycardia, right axis deviation, T wave inversion in leads V1 to V4, S wave in lead I, and at times complete right bundle branch block.
-
Left ventricular hypertrophy and left bundle branch block.
-
ST-segment elevation is upsloping. Elevation of more than 5 mm is considered significant is leads V1 to V3.
-
Hypercalcemia.
ST-segment elevation in leads V1 and V2 is associated with short ST-segment.
-
Hyperkalemia.
ST-segment elevation is associated with tall and peaked T wave.
-
Brugada syndrome.
Incomplete or complete RBBB is associated with prominent J wave simulating elevated ST-segment. Recording in the third intercostal space produces more prominent J wave. Atrial fibrillation can occur. Bradycardia dependent VT/VF can cause sudden death.
-
Cocaine
It can produce Brugada like pattern.
-
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.
It is characterized by RBBB with low amplitude Epsilon wave on the early part of the ST-segment.
-
ST-segment elevation with concavity upward is usual in the following situations:
-
In leads V1 to V3.
-
As normal variant in
-
Pectus excavatum. rsr’ may be seen in leads V1, V2.
-
Early repolarization.
-
Vagal overdrive—Mild ST-segment elevation is associated with bradycardia and tall T wave.
-
Athletes.
Sinus bradycardia is associated with increased left ventricular voltage and early repolarization pattern in right to mid precordial leads.
-
ST segment elevation in all leads.
-
Hypothermia—It is associated with bradycardia, prolonged PR interval, prolonged QT interval, and prominent J wave (Osborn wave).
-
Acute pericarditis/myopericarditis or myopericardial injury.
Upward concave ST-segment elevation is associated with sinus tachycardia, depression of PR segment, and normal T waves.
By the time pericardial effusion accumulates, T waves tend to become flat. Pericardial constriction is associated with the inversion of T waves.
-
ST-segment elevation in leads V4 to V6.
-
Early repolarization syndrome—It is characterized by ST-segment elevation with upward concavity and slurring of terminal part of the R wave or prominent J wave in lateral and/or inferior leads. T waves are prominent.
-
Left pneumothorax can cause ST-segment elevation with upward concavity in leads V4 to V6.
MCQs
Q1. Earliest ECG change in hyperacute transmural myocardial infarction is:
-
(a)
Straight elevation of the ST-segment
-
(b)
ST-segment elevation with concavity upward
-
(c)
ST-segment elevation with convexity upward
-
(d)
Broadening of T wave
Q2. In hyperacute phase of transmural myocardial infarction:
-
(a)
ST-segment is elevated from J point
-
(b)
R wave amplitude is increased
-
(c)
T wave becomes tall and wide
-
(d)
All
Q3. In Prinzmetal’s angina:
-
(a)
ECG simulates acute transmural myocardial injury
-
(b)
ECG normalizes with relief of pain
-
(c)
There are wide and deep Q waves
-
(d)
T waves are inverted
Q4. Monophasic upright complexes can occur in:
-
(a)
Hyperacute phase of myocardial infarction
-
(b)
Coronary vasospasm
-
(c)
Myocardial ischemia
-
(d)
Hyperkalemia
Q5. In pseudonormalization:
-
(a)
Q waves are deep and wide
-
(b)
ST-segment is isoelectric
-
(c)
T waves are symmetrically inverted
-
(d)
All
Q6. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy produces:
-
(a)
ST-segment elevation in lead aVR
-
(b)
Extensive ST-segment depression
-
(c)
Extensive T wave inversion
-
(d)
All
Q7. ST-segment elevation with concavity upward is seen in:
-
(a)
Acute pericarditis
-
(b)
Vagotonia
-
(c)
Hypothermia
-
(d)
All
Q8. ST-segment elevation in leads V1 to V3 is seen in:
-
(a)
Massive pulmonary embolism
-
(b)
LBBB
-
(c)
RBBB
-
(d)
Infarction of the interventricular septum
Q9. ST-segment elevation is seen in:
-
(a)
LVH
-
(b)
Hypokalemia
-
(c)
Hypocalcemia
-
(d)
Tumors invading myocardium
Q10. Brugada syndrome produces the ST-segment elevation in:
-
(a)
Leads V1 and V2
-
(b)
Leads V3 and V4
-
(c)
Leads V5 and V6
-
(d)
Leads II, III, aVF
Q11. Which of the following conditions can produce ST-segment elevation?
-
(a)
Trauma to myocardium
-
(b)
Myocarditis
-
(c)
Left pneumothorax
-
(d)
All
Q12. Successful reperfusion is suggested by:
-
(a)
≥70% reduction in ST-segment elevation
-
(b)
≥50% reduction in ST-segment elevation
-
(c)
≥40% reduction in ST-segment elevation
-
(d)
≥30% reduction in ST-segment elevation
Q13. Ventricular aneurysm is suggested by:
-
(a)
Persistent ST-segment elevation
-
(b)
Deep and broad Q wave
-
(c)
Deep and pointed T wave
-
(d)
Loss of R wave
Q14. ST-segment elevation in leads I and aVL suggests:
-
(a)
Anteroseptal infarction
-
(b)
Apical infarction
-
(c)
Lateral infarction
-
(d)
High lateral infarction
Q15. Posterior infarction produces reciprocal changes in:
-
(a)
Leads V2, V3
-
(b)
Leads V5, V6
-
(c)
Leads I, aVL
-
(d)
Leads II, III, aVF
Q16. Tall R wave and tall T wave in lead V2 suggest:
-
(a)
Anteroseptal infarction
-
(b)
Apical infarction
-
(c)
Posterior infarction
-
(d)
High lateral infarction
Q17. Inferior infarction produces ST-segment depression in:
-
(a)
Leads V1 to V3
-
(b)
Leads V4 to V6
-
(c)
Leads V7 to V9
-
(d)
Leads V3R to V6R
Q18. In the context of inferior infarction, ST-segment elevation in lead V1 suggests concomitant:
-
(a)
Anteroseptal infarction
-
(b)
Apical infarction
-
(c)
High lateral infarction
-
(d)
Right ventricular infarction
Q19. In the context of inferior infarction, ST-segment elevation in lead III exceeding that in lead II suggests concomitant:
-
(a)
Right ventricular infarction
-
(b)
Apical infarction
-
(c)
Lateral infarction
-
(d)
Posterior infarction
Q20. ST-segment elevation in lead aVR with diffuse ST-segment depression in other leads suggests occlusion of:
-
(a)
Left main coronary artery
-
(b)
Middle part of the LAD
-
(c)
Middle part of LCX
-
(d)
Proximal RCA
Q21. ST-segment elevation in leads I, aVL, and V1 to V6 suggests occlusion of:
-
(a)
Proximal LAD before diagonal branch
-
(b)
Mid LAD
-
(c)
Mid circumflex
-
(d)
Proximal RCA
Q22. Extensive anterior infarction with inferior infarction suggests occlusion of:
-
(a)
Proximal LAD wrapping around the cardiac apex
-
(b)
Distal LAD
-
(c)
Proximal RCA
-
(d)
Proximal PDA
Q23. ST-segment elevation only in leads V2 to V6 suggests occlusion of:
-
(a)
LAD before D1
-
(b)
LAD after D1 and SI
-
(c)
LAD before S1
-
(d)
Mid LCX
Q24. In the context of anterior infarction, occlusion of LAD before S1 is suggested by:
-
(a)
New RBBB
-
(b)
ST-segment elevation in leads V1 and aVR
-
(c)
New left anterosuperior fascicular block
-
(d)
New left posteroinferior fascicular block
Q25. Left posteroinferior fascicle is supplied by:
-
(a)
LAD
-
(b)
LADÂ +Â LCX
-
(c)
LADÂ +Â RCA
-
(d)
S1Â +Â D1
Q26. ST-segment elevation in leads V1 to V3 suggests occlusion of:
-
(a)
Proximal LAD
-
(b)
Mid LAD
-
(c)
Distal LAD
-
(d)
Proximal LCX
Q27. Occlusion of proximal diagonal produces ST-segment elevation in leads:
-
(a)
I, aVL
-
(b)
V1 to V3
-
(c)
V4 to V6
-
(d)
V7 to V9
Q28. In the context of inferior infarction, ST-segment elevation in lead I suggests occlusion of:
-
(a)
Proximal LCX
-
(b)
Mid LAD
-
(c)
Proximal RCA
-
(d)
Proximal PDA
Q29. In the context of inferior infarction, ST-segment elevation in lead II > that in lead III suggests occlusion of:
-
(a)
LCX
-
(b)
LAD
-
(c)
RCA
-
(d)
PDA
Q30. In the context of inferior infarction, T wave inversion in lead V4R suggests occlusion of:
-
(a)
Proximal RCA
-
(b)
Mid RCA
-
(c)
Distal RCA
-
(d)
LCX
Q31. Normally the ST-segment may show mild coved elevation in leads:
-
(a)
V1, V2
-
(b)
V5, V6
-
(c)
V7, V8
-
(d)
V3R, V4R
Q32. Normally the ST-segment may show early repolarization pattern in leads:
-
(a)
V1, V2
-
(b)
V3, V4
-
(c)
V5, V6
-
(d)
V7, V8
Q33. Normally, which part of the ST-segment is isoelectric?
-
(a)
Initial
-
(b)
Middle
-
(c)
Terminal
-
(d)
None
Q34. Coronary vasospasm usually produces:
-
(a)
Diffuse coved ST-segment elevation
-
(b)
Diffuse concave ST-segment elevation
-
(c)
Convex ST-segment elevation in leads V5, V6
-
(d)
Concave ST-segment elevation in leads V1, V2
Q35. Stress cardiomyopathy usually produces:
-
(a)
Diffuse coved ST-segment elevation
-
(b)
Coved ST-segment elevation in leads V5, V6
-
(c)
Diffuse concave ST-segment elevation
-
(d)
Coved ST-segment elevation in leads V3R to V6R
Q36. Normally the ST-segment can show coved elevation of up to 2 mm in leads:
-
(a)
V1, V2
-
(b)
V3, V4
-
(c)
V5, V6
-
(d)
V7, V8
Q37. Coved ST-segment elevation greater in V1 than in V2 suggests occlusion of:
-
(a)
Right coronary artery
-
(b)
Major septal branch of LAD
-
(c)
D1
-
(d)
OM1
Q38. Sinus tachycardia, right axis deviation, ST-segment elevation with T wave inversion in leads V1 to V4 and S wave in lead 1 suggest the possibility of:
-
(a)
Occlusion of conus artery
-
(b)
Occlusion of major septal
-
(c)
Acute cor pulmonale
-
(d)
Chronic cor pulmonale
Q39. In left bundle branch block, ST-segment elevation in leads V1, V2 suggests:
-
(a)
Occlusion of conus artery
-
(b)
Normal pattern
-
(c)
Left ventricular hypertrophy
-
(d)
Posterior infarction
Q40. In left bundle branch block, what magnitude of ST-segment elevation in lead V2 is considered abnormal?
-
(a)
More than 1 mm
-
(b)
More than 3 mm
-
(c)
More than 4 mm
-
(d)
More than 5 mm
Q41. Which leads can show upsloping ST-segment elevation in left ventricular hypertrophy with ST-segment depression and T wave inversion in leads V5, V6?
-
(a)
V3, V4
-
(b)
V1, V2
-
(c)
I, aVL
-
(d)
II, III, aVF
Q42. ST segment elevation in leads V1, V2 with short ST-segment (short Q-T interval) suggests:
-
(a)
Left ventricular hypertrophy
-
(b)
Hypercalcemia
-
(c)
Left bundle branch block
-
(d)
Hypocalcemia
Q43. ST-segment elevation with tall peaked T wave suggests:
-
(a)
Hypercalcemia
-
(b)
Hyperkalemia
-
(c)
Hypomagnesemia
-
(d)
Hyponatremia
Q44. Right bundle branch block pattern with prominent J wave simulating ST-segment elevation in lead V1, V2 suggests:
-
(a)
RBBB with right ventricular hypertrophy
-
(b)
RBBB with left ventricular hypertrophy
-
(c)
RBBB with right ventricular infarction
-
(d)
Brugada syndrome
Q45. Right bundle branch block with ST-segment elevation and additional low voltage wave on the early part of ST-segment suggests:
-
(a)
Brugada syndrome
-
(b)
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
-
(c)
Right lateral accessory pathway
-
(d)
Normal variation
Q46. Pectus excavatum can produce:
-
(a)
rsr’ pattern in lead V1
-
(b)
Mild ST-segment elevation in leads V1, V2
-
(c)
Deep S in lead V6
-
(d)
All
Q47. Electrocardiogram from an athlete can show:
-
(a)
Sinus bradycardia
-
(b)
Increased left ventricular voltages in leads V5, V6
-
(c)
Early repolarization pattern in right to mid precordial leads
-
(d)
None
Q48. Bradycardia with prominent J wave suggest the possibility of:
-
(a)
Hypothermia
-
(b)
Myxedema
-
(c)
Athlete heart
-
(d)
All
Q49. Sinus tachycardia with diffuse upward concave ST-segment elevation and elevation of PR segment in lead aVR suggests:
-
(a)
Coronary vasospasm
-
(b)
Stress cardiomyopathy
-
(c)
Acute pericarditis
-
(d)
Right ventricular infarction
Q50. Slurring of the terminal part of prominent R in lead V5 with prominent T wave and ST segment elevation with upward concavity suggests:
-
(a)
Early repolarization syndrome
-
(b)
Chronic severe aortic regurgitation
-
(c)
Chronic severe mitral regurgitation
-
(d)
Left lateral accessory pathway
Q51. Normal ECG cannot exclude:
-
(a)
Acute pericarditis
-
(b)
Brugada syndrome
-
(c)
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
-
(d)
All
Q52. Diffuse concave upward ST-segment elevation in leads other than lead aVR and V1, with normal T wave and depression of PR segment suggests:
-
(a)
Acute pericarditis
-
(b)
Early repolarization syndrome
-
(c)
Cardiac tumor
-
(d)
Vagal overdrive
Q53. Sinus tachycardia, low QRS voltage, isoelectric ST-segment with diffuse inverted T wave suggests:
-
(a)
Acute pericarditis
-
(b)
Pericardial constriction
-
(c)
Emphysema
-
(d)
Acute cor pulmonale
Q54. Atrial fibrillation with diffuse concave ST-segment elevation and low amplitude positive T wave suggest:
-
(a)
Mitral stenosis
-
(b)
Mitral regurgitation
-
(c)
Acute pericarditis
-
(d)
Constrictive pericarditis
Q55. Mild pulmonary embolism produces:
-
(a)
ST-segment elevation in leads V1 to V3
-
(b)
Deep T inversion in leads V1 to V3
-
(c)
S1 Q3 and inverted T3 pattern
-
(d)
None
Q56. Acute pericarditis produces:
-
(a)
Isoelectric ST-segment
-
(b)
Diffuse T wave inversion
-
(c)
T wave amplitude less than 5 mm
-
(d)
T wave amplitude greater than 5 mm
Q57. ST segment elevation in acute pericarditis is due to:
-
(a)
Myocarditis
-
(b)
Pericardial effusion
-
(c)
Early repolarization
-
(d)
All
Q58. Cocaine can produce:
-
(a)
ST-segment elevation with concavity upward
-
(b)
Brugada pattern
-
(c)
Prolongation of QT interval
-
(d)
ST-segment depression
1.1 Answers
(1) a (2) d (3) a, b (4) a, b (5) b (6) a (7) d (8) a, b, d (9) a, d (10) a (11) d (12) a (13) a (14) d (15) a (16) c (17) a (18) d (19) a (20) a (21) a (22) a (23) b (24) a, b (25) c (26) b (27) a (28) a (29) a (30) d (31) a (32) c (33) d (34) a (35) a (36) a (37) a (38) c (39) b (40) d (41) b (42) b (43) b (44) d (45) b (46) a, b (47) a, b, c (48) a (49) c (50) a (51) d (52) a (53) b (54) c (55) d (56) c (57) a (58) b, c
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Mittal, S. (2023). ST-Segment Elevation. In: Insights into Electrocardiograms with MCQs. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-0127-2_40
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