Why is there ST elevation in pericarditis?

The source of this ST elevation is thought to be local inflammatory changes in the epicardium underlying the inflamed pericardium. The current from this area of ST elevation must return to some unaffected region of the heart and this should be associated with a region of ST depression.

Does pericarditis have ST elevation?

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium. This can lead to ST elevation in all leads. Therefore, it is important to distinguish pericarditis from a myocardial infarction, which has more acute complaints and ST-elevations are limited to the infarct area.

How can you tell the difference between pericarditis and MI in ECG?

ECG of a patient with acute pericarditis. Diffuse concave-upward ST-segment elevation, ST-segment depression in aVR, and PR-segment depression is best demonstrated in leads II and V3. Note lack of reciprocal ST-segment changes, an important feature differentiating acute pericarditis from acute myocardial infarction.

How does ST elevation indicate mi?

An acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an event in which transmural myocardial ischemia results in myocardial injury or necrosis. [1] The current 2018 clinical definition of myocardial infarction (MI) requires the confirmation of the myocardial ischemic injury with abnormal cardiac biomarkers.

What is ST segment elevation?

ST Elevation, by contrast, refers to an EGK where the ST segment of the PQRST complex is abnormally elevated above the isoelectric line (the baseline). By definition, an abnormally high ST segment elevation is at least 1mm (one small square) higher in any of the precordial leads or 2mm (two small squares)…

What is lateral ST elevation?

Definitions. ST elevation primarily localized to leads I and aVL is referred to as a high lateral STEMI. It is usually associated with reciprocal ST depression and T wave inversion in the inferior leads. Sometimes referred to as the South African Flag sign.

What is diffuse ST elevation?

Diffuse ST elevation, without reciprocal ST depression, mostly in inferior limb leads and lateral precordial leads. This is very typical for pericarditis .

What is inflammation of the pericardium?

Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, a thin, two-layered sac that surrounds your heart. The layers have a small amount of fluid between them to prevent friction when the heart beats. When the layers are inflamed, it can result in chest pain.