Criteria for Emphysema

 

Findings:

(A) P axis > +60° in the limb leads (I, II, III, aVF, aVR, aVL)

(B) R and S amplitudes <= 0.70 mV in limb leads

(C) R amplitude <= 0.70 mV in V6

(D) S in V4 >= R in V4

 

Definite emphysema - one or both of the following:

(1) A and B and C, or

(2) A and D

 

Probable emphysema - one or both of the following:

(1) A and B, or

(2) A and C

 

Performance:

• 65% sensitive for the diagnosis of emphysema

• 95% specific for exclusion of emphysema in normal persons, in patients with congenital heart disease, and in patients with myocardial infarction.