Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Diphtheria electrocardiogram
Introduction
Overview
Overview
An ECG in patients with diphtheria can be normal. However, in patients with diphtheria myocarditis, a wide range of abnormalities related to conduction and rhythm may be observed.
Electrocardiogram
Electrocardiogram
An ECG in patients with diphtheria can be normal. However, in patients with diphtheria myocarditis, a wide range of abnormalities related to conduction and rhythm may be observed. Common ECG findings in cases of diphtheria myocarditis include:[1][2][3]
- Prolonged PR or QT intervals
- Alterations in the ST segment, either elevation or depression
- Alterations in the T wave
- Atrioventricular block (AV block)
- Bundle branch block (BBB)
- Hemiblock
- Sinus bradycardia
- Arrythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and ventricular tachycardia (VT)
References
References
- ↑ BOYER NH, WEINSTEIN L (1948). “Diphtheritic myocarditis”. N. Engl. J. Med. 239 (24): 913–9. doi:10.1056/NEJM194812092392403. PMID 18103551.
- ↑ Lumio JT, Groundstroem KW, Melnick OB, Huhtala H, Rakhmanova AG (2004). “Electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with diphtheria: a prospective study”. Am. J. Med. 116 (2): 78–83. PMID 14715320.
- ↑ MORGAN BC (1963). “CARDIAC COMPLICATIONS OF DIPHTHERIA”. Pediatrics. 32: 549–57. PMID 14069096.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Dima Nimri, M.D. [2]