All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

A 24 year old man presents with acute onset shortness of breath with precordial chest pain. ECG reveals ST elevation with upward concavity and PR segment depression in lead V2 to V6 and reciprocal changes in lead aVR. The most likely diagnosis is

The correct answer is
Acute pericarditis

The patient presents with acute shortness of breath and chest pain, with specific ECG findings in the anterior leads (V2-V6) and lead aVR.

ECG Findings Analysis

  • ST Elevation Morphology: The ECG shows ST elevation with upward concavity in leads V2-V6.
  • PR Segment Changes: Concurrently, there is PR segment depression in these same leads.
  • Reciprocal Changes: Reciprocal ST depression is noted in lead aVR.

Differential Diagnosis Based on ECG

These specific ECG findings are crucial for diagnosis:

  • Acute Pericarditis: This condition classically presents with diffuse ST elevation that is typically concave upward (matching the description) and is often accompanied by PR segment depression. Symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath are common, especially in younger individuals. Reciprocal ST depression in lead aVR is also characteristic.
  • Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction (MI): While MI causes ST elevation, it is typically associated with a convex upward morphology. PR depression is not a typical feature of MI. Reciprocal changes are usually seen in the inferior leads (e.g., lead II, III, aVF), not predominantly aVR.
  • Anterior Wall Aneurysm: This is usually a chronic condition or complication, not typically presenting with acute, concave ST elevation and PR depression.
  • Aortic Dissection: This condition causes severe chest pain, but the ECG findings are often non-specific or may show ST elevation if a coronary artery is involved, but the specific concave ST elevation with PR depression pattern is not typical.

Conclusion

The combination of acute onset chest pain, shortness of breath, ST elevation with upward concavity in anterior leads (V2-V6), and PR segment depression strongly points towards Acute Pericarditis as the most likely diagnosis.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from Inflammation

  1. Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:
  2. Which one of the following statements is correct?
  3. Multidrug resistant tuberculosis is defined as:
  4. Aortic stenosis is associated with:
  5. Exacerbations of bronchial asthma that occur with little or no warning are called:
Need Expert Advice?

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App