The Electrocardiographic Sign of Acute Hemopericardium

Abstract

Eight autopsied cases of acute hemopericardium secondary to rupture of the heart or aorta showed a similar eeg abnormality. The T waves became taller and often peaked in the precordial leads frequently contrary to their previous configuration or to abnormalities in the S-T segment. The origin of this abnormality may be due to the churning effect of the heart in releasing potassium from the blood in the pericardium or to the compression of the subepicardial layers of the heart with sudden increase in intrapericardial pressure. This ecg sign allows for the recognition of acute hemopericardium in the acutely ill patient.