Middle aged patient presenting with chest pain and diaphoresis. Describe and interpret his ECG
Describe and interpret this ECG
ECG ANSWER and INTERPRETATION
Main Abnormalities
- ST depression in V2-6, which slopes upwards and joins the ascending limb of the T wave.
- Prominent, “rocket-shaped” T waves in the precordial leads V2-5.
- Subtle ST elevation in aVR.
Diagnosis
- This combination of ST depression with rocket-shaped T waves in the precordial leads V1-6 is referred to as the De Winter ECG pattern or “De Winter’s T waves” (also see ECG 019)
- It is becoming increasingly recognised as an anterior STEMI equivalent (~2% of LAD occlusions).
- Some authors are now recommending that this ECG pattern be treated identically to anterior STEMI, with urgent PCI or thrombolysis.
Emergency Physician in Prehospital and Retrieval Medicine in Sydney, Australia. He has a passion for ECG interpretation and medical education | ECG Library |