Table 1.
Synopsis of typical ECG features useful for differential diagnosis with MI and of prognostic role of ECG in acute myocarditis
| Typical features useful for differential diagnosis with MI | Worse prognosis | Better prognosis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR segment | Depression in both precordial and limb leads | / | / |
| Depression in leads with ST segment elevation | |||
| Elevation in aVR lead | |||
| QRS complex | / | Q wave: especially when associated with ST segment elevation | / |
| / | Wide QRS complex | / | |
| ST segment elevation | Pericarditis pattern (see text for details) | / | Pericarditis pattern with terminal QRS notching or slurring |
| T wave | / | QRS/T angle ≥ 100° | / |
| QT interval | / | Prolonged QT interval | / |
| Arrhythmias | / | High‐degree AV blocks | / |
| Malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias |
Abbreviations: AV, atrioventricular; ECG, electrocardiogram; MI, myocardial infarction.