The ST Segment Axis as a Differential Diagnostic Feature Between Acute Pericarditis and Acute Inferior Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

The ST segment electrical axis in the frontal plane was calculated in 20 patients with an acute inferior myocardial infarction (AIMI) and another 20 patients with the acute phase of pericarditis (AP). The ST segment axis of patients with AIMI ranged from 100° -120° (mean 114°). The ST segment axis of patients with AP ranged from 30°-60° (mean 45°). Thus, the ST segment axis can be used for the differential diagnosis in the early acute phase, especially when there are no other important distinguishing factors between these two conditions.

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