Completely normal ECG is very rarely observed in patients with chronic constrictive pericarditis.


The following ECG findings may be observed in patients with chronic constrictive pericarditis

  Low voltage (25-30%)

  Negative T waves.

  Atrial fibrillation (20-30%).

  Abnormal Q waves (less frequently).

  Right ventricular hypertrophy or right axis deviation (less frequently).



References

  Ann Intern Med 1956;45:445.

  Clin Med 2006;6:592-597.

  Circulation 1999;100:1380-1386.

  Circulation 2003;108:1852-1857.




ECG 1a. The ECG above belongs to a 15 years-old girl who will undergo an operation for constrictive pericarditis.
Widespread T wave negativity is seen. The QRS axis is 99 degrees.

Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Mahmut Gokdemir has donated the above ECG to our website.

Click here for a more detailed ECG



ECG 1b. The ECG above belongs to the same girl and was recorded 1 WEEK after her operation for constrictive pericarditis.
(2 months after recording of the ECG 1a).
Widespread T wave negativity is still seen.

Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Mahmut Gokdemir has donated the above ECG to our website.

Click here for a more detailed ECG



ECG 1c. The ECG above belongs to the same girl and was recorded 4 MONTHS after her operation for constrictive pericarditis.
Precordial T wave negativity has disappeared.

Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Mahmut Gokdemir has donated the above ECG to our website.

Click here for a more detailed ECG



ECG 1d. The ECG above belongs to the same girl and was recorded 1 YEAR after her operation for constrictive pericarditis.

Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Mahmut Gokdemir has donated the above ECG to our website.

Click here for a more detailed ECG