Description

A left-sided pneumothorax can result in changes to the electrocardiogram.


Findings:

(1) low QRS amplitude in limb and precordial leads

(2) poor R-wave progression in the precordial leads

(3) increased ratio of QRS amplitude in aVF to I (> 2, associated with low QRS voltage in I)

(4) variation in changes with respirations

(5) reversal of changes after correction of pneumothorax

 

Differential diagnosis:

(1) acute myocardial infarction


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