What is a common EKG sign of pericarditis?

Widespread ST segment elevation is a hallmark sign of pericarditis on an electrocardiogram (EKG). In cases of pericarditis, inflammation of the pericardial sac can lead to changes in the heart’s electrical activity, which are reflected on the EKG.

Typically, the ST segment elevation associated with pericarditis is diffuse, occurring in multiple leads, particularly in the precordial leads (V1-V6) as well as in limb leads. This diffuse elevation can differ from the localized ST segment elevation seen in other conditions like myocardial infarction, where elevations are often confined to specific leads related to the area of the heart that is affected.

Additionally, the ST segment changes in pericarditis usually do not have the reciprocal changes seen in myocardial infarction. Over time, the EKG may evolve, and the ST segment elevation can return to baseline as the condition progresses or resolves.

This distinctive pattern is critical for differentiating pericarditis from other cardiac conditions, making widespread ST segment elevation a key diagnostic feature.