ST-segment deviation pattern of takotsubo cardiomyopathy similar to acute pericarditis: Diffuse ST-segment elevation

BackgroundPossible similarities or differences in the ST- and PR-segment deviations in the electrocardiogram of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) and acute pericarditis (AP) are not well defined.MethodsWe compared different parameters of the admission electrocardiogram in eight patients with TTC and eight patients with AP with ST-segment elevation in the acute phase.ResultsWe found significant differences in the maximal magnitude of the T wave in the precordial leads, but not in the ST- and PR-segment deviation patterns between the two patient groups. All the patients in the two groups showed consistent ST-segment depression in lead aVR and absence of ST-segment elevation in lead V1.ConclusionsThe ST- and PR-segment deviation patterns in TTC are similar to that of AP, namely diffuse ST-segment elevations with reciprocal changes in aVR and V1 and PR-segment elevation in aVR accompanied by PR-segment depression in the inferior leads, possibly indicating that TTC has ECG characteristics of circumferential subepicardial ischemia in the acute phase.