An unusual cause of giant T waves - 15/07/24

Abstract |
In the acute care setting, the two most common causes of giant upright T waves include hyperkalemia and the very early phase of acute myocardial infarction (MI). The former is characterized by narrow based and peaked T waves. The giant T waves of early MI, also called “hyperacute T waves,” are usually more broad-based. The general recommendation is to consider hyperacute T waves a form of occlusion MI, and to proceed with emergent cardiac catheterization and revascularization. In this report, we present the case of a young man with cocaine toxicity and status epilepticus where the initial electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrated giant T waves. Both hyperkalemia and coronary occlusion were ruled out. Within a few hours, the ECG spontaneously normalized. Review of the literature revealed that although uncommon, acute cerebral events including seizures can cause transient giant T waves. When giant T waves are noted in association with a cerebral event, emergent cardiac catheterization may not be warranted.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Giant T waves, Hyperkalemia, Hyperacute T waves, Occlusion infarct, Acute central nervous event, Status epilepticus
Plan
Vol 82
P. 215.e3-215.e5 - août 2024 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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