Recent UMMC Cases (Part II)

UMEM Potpourri ECG Cases with Dr. Amal Mattu

HPI

A 55-year-old woman arrives at the emergency department with shortness of breath and is noted to be tachypneic. The following ECG is obtained:

Before watching this week’s workout, closely examine the ECG and ask yourself:

    1. Could this be electrical alternans, hinting at a dangerous pericardial effusion?
    2. Why might a patient’s labored breathing cause gradual shifts in QRS voltage?
    3. When do you suspect hyperpnea-driven changes rather than structural cardiac issues?