ST segment depression and/or T-wave inversion in multiple leads without diagnostic Q waves is most consistent with which diagnosis?

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Multiple Choice

ST segment depression and/or T-wave inversion in multiple leads without diagnostic Q waves is most consistent with which diagnosis?

ST segment depression and T-wave inversion across several leads, without diagnostic Q waves, signals subendocardial ischemia affecting multiple regions of the heart. This pattern points to a non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome, such as NSTEMI or unstable angina, rather than a transmural infarction. In STEMI you’d expect ST elevations (often with new Q waves later) indicating full-thickness myocardium involvement. Pericarditis typically shows diffuse ST elevations with PR depressions, not localized ST depression or T-wave inversions. Hyperkalemia produces tall, peaked T waves and widened QRS rather than the described ST depression and T-wave changes. So the described EKG finding best fits NSTEMI or myocardial ischemia.

ST segment depression and T-wave inversion across several leads, without diagnostic Q waves, signals subendocardial ischemia affecting multiple regions of the heart. This pattern points to a non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome, such as NSTEMI or unstable angina, rather than a transmural infarction. In STEMI you’d expect ST elevations (often with new Q waves later) indicating full-thickness myocardium involvement. Pericarditis typically shows diffuse ST elevations with PR depressions, not localized ST depression or T-wave inversions. Hyperkalemia produces tall, peaked T waves and widened QRS rather than the described ST depression and T-wave changes. So the described EKG finding best fits NSTEMI or myocardial ischemia.

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