Short bowel syndrome electrocardiogram

There are no ECG findings associated with short bowel syndrome. In case of malnutrition and electrolyte imbalance, an ECG may be helpful. Hypokalemia might present with arrhythmia, ST segment depression, low T wave, prominent U waves and QRS prolongation. Hypocalcemia might present with QT interval prolongation. Hypomagnesemia might present with QT interval prolongation and ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmia.

• There are no ECG findings associated with short bowel syndrome.
• In case of malnutrition and electrolyte imbalance, an ECG may be helpful.^[1]
• Findings on an ECG suggestive of hypokalemia in a patient with short bowel syndrome include:^[2][3][4]
  • ST segment depression
  • Low T wave
  • Prominent U waves
  • Prolongation of the QRS duration
  • Increase in the amplitude and duration of the P-wave
  • Cardiac arrhythmias and AV block
  • Ventricular ectopy

• Findings on an ECG suggestive of hypocalcemia in a patient with short bowel syndrome include:^[6]
  • Narrow QRS complex
  • Prolongation of the QT interval
• Findings on an ECG suggestive of hypomagnesemia in a patient with short bowel syndrome include:^[7]
  • Prolongation of the QT interval
  • AV block
  • Atrial ectopy
  • Supraventricular tachycardia
  • Ventricular ectopy
  • Torsades de pointes

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