What finding is associated with EKG changes in pericarditis?

Diffuse ST segment elevations are a hallmark finding in the electrocardiogram (EKG) of patients with pericarditis. This condition involves inflammation of the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, leading to characteristic EKG changes. In pericarditis, the ST segment elevations are typically seen across multiple leads and are not confined to a single coronary artery territory.

These elevations often appear as a concave upward configuration, distinct from the ST segment changes associated with myocardial infarction, which typically show more localized elevations in leads corresponding to the affected coronary artery. Additionally, the PR segment may be depressed in pericarditis, further differentiating it from other causes of ST segment elevation.

Other findings, such as flat T waves, a wide QRS complex, or inverted T waves, are more suggestive of different cardiac conditions or abnormalities, making them less relevant to the diagnosis of pericarditis.