Killer Differentials
Latest
Poor R Wave Progression DDx
Key Points Poor R Wave Progression (PRWP): This refers to a situation where the R waves in the precordial leads (V1 to V6) fail to increase in amplitude as expected….
Long QT Interval DDx
Key Points The QT interval is the time from the start of the Q wave to the end of the T wave. It represents the total time for ventricular depolarization…
Large T Wave DDx
Key Points Large T waves on an ECG can have several different etiologies, ranging from benign to life-threatening conditions. It’s essential to interpret them in the clinical context and with…
ST Elevation in aVR DDx
Key Points Global Subendocardial Ischemia: ST-segment elevation in aVR with diffuse ST-segment depression in multiple other leads typically reflects global subendocardial ischemia of the left ventricle. Proximal Vessel Occlusion: This…
T Wave Inversion in V1-V3 DDx
Key Point Misconceptions: T wave inversions (TWIs) in V1-V3 are often assumed to indicate anteroseptal ischemia, but there are multiple other causes to consider. The following is a list of…
Syncope DDx
Key Points Syncope and the ECG: Syncope is a transient loss of consciousness and postural tone, characterized by rapid onset, brief duration, and spontaneous recovery without medical intervention. Cardiac syncope…
Short QT Interval DDx
Key Points Short QT Interval: A QT interval is considered short when the corrected QT (QTc) interval is less than 350 ms. A short QT interval on the ECG can…
Right Axis Deviation + STE DDx
Key Points RAD + ST-Segment Elevation: When you encounter right axis deviation (RAD) combined with ST-segment elevation (STE) on an ECG, it’s crucial to consider differential diagnoses beyond STEMI, as…
Left Axis Deviation DDx
Key Points Definition: Left Axis Deviation (LAD) occurs when the QRS axis on an ECG is shifted leftward, typically between -30° and -90°. Common Causes: LAD is often associated with…
Right Axis Deviation DDx
Top 3 emergent causes of new rightward axis to consider: When encountering a new rightward axis on an ECG, immediately consider the following life-threatening conditions: Acute Right Heart Strain /…
Not Enough P Waves (P:QRS < 1) DDx
Key Points Not Enough P’s: When the ratio of P waves to QRS complexes is less than 1, this suggests the presence of ectopic beats, escape rhythms, or abnormal conduction….
No clear P waves DDx
Key Points Absence of Sinus Rhythm: The lack of clear P waves before the QRS complexes suggests that sinus rhythm is not present. Potential Causes: This pattern can result from…
Narrow QRS Bradycardia DDx
Key Point Narrow QRS Bradycardias: These rhythms are more commonly associated with vagal stimulation or reversible causes, making them generally less severe than wide QRS bradycardias. Due to their better…
Tall R wave in V1 DDx
Key Points R Wave Represents Depolarization: The R wave in V1 reflects the initial depolarization of the ventricles, specifically the right ventricle. Height Relative to S Wave: In V1, the…
Narrow & Irregular Tachycardia DDx
Key Points Narrow Complex Tachycardia: Refers to a tachycardia with a QRS duration of less than 120 ms and an irregular rhythm. The primary rhythms to consider in this scenario…
Non-Conducted P Waves (P:QRS>1) DDx
Key Point ECG Interpretation Caution: The ECG computer interpretation is often unreliable, especially when irregular rhythms or non-conducted P waves are present. It frequently misinterprets irregular rhythms as atrial fibrillation….
Narrow & Regular Tachycardia DDx
Key Points Narrow Complex Tachycardia: Refers to a tachycardia with a QRS duration of less than 120 ms and a regular rhythm. The primary rhythms to consider in this scenario…
Acute Chest Pain DDx
Key Point When evaluating a patient with acute chest pain, it is crucial to consider rapidly fatal conditions and use a systematic approach to ECG interpretation to assess the probability…
Low Voltage QRS DDx
Key Points Definition: Low voltage QRS is characterized by a QRS amplitude of less than 5 mm in limb leads and less than 10 mm in precordial leads. Sensitive Definition…
ST Elevation DDx
Key Points Definition: ST elevation on an ECG refers to the upward displacement of the ST segment above the baseline, often indicating acute myocardial injury. Significance: While ST elevation is…
Free Content
Jump on our email list for free tips and insights delivered to your inbox monthly. No spam - just quick pearls and ECG education.
Categories
- No categories
© 2024 ECG Weekly. All rights reserved. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Powered by the member(dev) platform
Loading...