Diffuse ST-segment elevations are characteristic of which condition?

Diffuse ST-segment elevations are characteristic of which condition?

• A. Myocardial infarction
• B. Acute pericarditis
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Aortic dissection

Answer: (B)

Diffuse ST-segment elevations indicate inflammation of the pericardium. When the pericardium is irritated, the injury current runs across the heart in many directions, so the ST segments rise in most leads rather than being confined to a single coronary territory. You may also see PR-segment depression, which supports pericarditis, along with chest pain that often improves when leaning forward. In contrast, a myocardial infarction typically shows ST elevations that are localized to leads corresponding to the blocked coronary artery, with reciprocal changes in opposite leads. Pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection don’t produce the classic diffuse ST-elevation pattern seen with acute pericarditis.

Diffuse ST-segment elevations indicate inflammation of the pericardium. When the pericardium is irritated, the injury current runs across the heart in many directions, so the ST segments rise in most leads rather than being confined to a single coronary territory. You may also see PR-segment depression, which supports pericarditis, along with chest pain that often improves when leaning forward.

In contrast, a myocardial infarction typically shows ST elevations that are localized to leads corresponding to the blocked coronary artery, with reciprocal changes in opposite leads. Pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection don’t produce the classic diffuse ST-elevation pattern seen with acute pericarditis.