Combination of generalized PR segment depression with ST segment elevation-an characteristic change of electrocardiography in early acute pericarditis

Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the PR segment changes and analyze the correlative factors in patents with acute pericarditis.Methods The electrocardiograms of 78 patients with acute pericarditis were analyzed according to the time of onset of the disease.The changes of orientation and amplitude of PR segment and ST segment in each lead were surveied and heart rate was measured.The relation between PR segment alteration and the changes of ST segment or heart rate were also studied.Seventy eight patients with early repolarization syndrome were assigned as control group.Results Of 78 patients with acute pericarditis,55(75 1%) had PR segment depression in leads Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,aVF,V 3～V 6,which coincided with PR segment elevation in lead aVR.Only 3 patients showed PR segment deviation in lead aVL.The deviation of PR segment in these leads was 0 05 0 15 mV.The ST segment elevation was recorded in 68 patients(87 2%) in the first day.The incidence of generalized PR segment depression accompanied by generalized ST segment elevation was the highest in the first recording day, then was gradually decreased in the subsequent recording days.There was no relationship between PR segment deviation and heart rate.Only 2 6% of patients with early repolarization syndrome had generalized PR segment depression.Conclusion Generalized PR segment depression complicated with ST segment elevation in the same lead is an early characteristic change of electrocardiogram in acute pericarditis.