Which ECG finding is most consistent with pericarditis?

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Multiple Choice

Which ECG finding is most consistent with pericarditis?

Pericarditis on ECG typically shows diffuse ST-segment elevations with concurrent PR-segment depression. The PR depression across multiple leads, often with PR elevation in lead aVR, is a distinctive and relatively specific clue to pericardial inflammation. This pattern arises from an inflammatory “injury current” that affects atrial repolarization, shifting the PR segment downward in most leads. That makes PR-segment depressions the best choice for identifying pericarditis among the options. By contrast, pathologic Q waves indicate irreversible myocardial necrosis from prior infarction, not acute pericardial inflammation. Diffuse QT shortening is not a characteristic feature of pericarditis and is seen in other conditions.

Pericarditis on ECG typically shows diffuse ST-segment elevations with concurrent PR-segment depression. The PR depression across multiple leads, often with PR elevation in lead aVR, is a distinctive and relatively specific clue to pericardial inflammation. This pattern arises from an inflammatory “injury current” that affects atrial repolarization, shifting the PR segment downward in most leads.

That makes PR-segment depressions the best choice for identifying pericarditis among the options. By contrast, pathologic Q waves indicate irreversible myocardial necrosis from prior infarction, not acute pericardial inflammation. Diffuse QT shortening is not a characteristic feature of pericarditis and is seen in other conditions.

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