Electrical alternans: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Electrical alternans | |||
| image = [[File:Electrical_Alternans.JPG|left|thumb|ECG showing electrical alternans]] | |||
| caption = Electrocardiogram (ECG) showing electrical alternans | |||
| field = [[Cardiology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Palpitations]], [[dizziness]], [[syncope]] | |||
| complications = [[Cardiac tamponade]], [[heart failure]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Pericardial effusion]], [[cardiac tamponade]], [[supraventricular tachycardia]] | |||
| risks = [[Pericarditis]], [[myocardial infarction]], [[heart surgery]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Electrocardiogram]] | |||
| differential = [[Pericarditis]], [[myocardial infarction]], [[ventricular tachycardia]] | |||
| prevention = Managing underlying conditions | |||
| treatment = [[Pericardiocentesis]], [[antiarrhythmic drugs]] | |||
| prognosis = Depends on underlying cause | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Electrical Alternans}} | {{DISPLAYTITLE:Electrical Alternans}} | ||
'''Electrical alternans''' is a phenomenon observed in the [[electrocardiogram]] (ECG) characterized by alternating amplitude or axis of the QRS complexes. It is often associated with [[pericardial effusion]] and can be an important diagnostic clue in clinical practice. | '''Electrical alternans''' is a phenomenon observed in the [[electrocardiogram]] (ECG) characterized by alternating amplitude or axis of the QRS complexes. It is often associated with [[pericardial effusion]] and can be an important diagnostic clue in clinical practice. | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
Electrical alternans occurs due to the swinging motion of the heart within a large volume of pericardial fluid, which causes changes in the electrical axis and amplitude of the heart's electrical activity. This is most commonly seen in cases of [[cardiac tamponade]], where the accumulation of fluid in the [[pericardial cavity]] exerts pressure on the heart, affecting its normal function. | Electrical alternans occurs due to the swinging motion of the heart within a large volume of pericardial fluid, which causes changes in the electrical axis and amplitude of the heart's electrical activity. This is most commonly seen in cases of [[cardiac tamponade]], where the accumulation of fluid in the [[pericardial cavity]] exerts pressure on the heart, affecting its normal function. | ||
== Clinical Significance == | == Clinical Significance == | ||
The presence of electrical alternans on an ECG is a significant finding that can indicate the presence of a large pericardial effusion. It is important for clinicians to recognize this pattern as it may necessitate urgent intervention, such as pericardiocentesis, to relieve the pressure on the heart. | The presence of electrical alternans on an ECG is a significant finding that can indicate the presence of a large pericardial effusion. It is important for clinicians to recognize this pattern as it may necessitate urgent intervention, such as pericardiocentesis, to relieve the pressure on the heart. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Electrical alternans is diagnosed through careful analysis of the ECG. It is characterized by: | Electrical alternans is diagnosed through careful analysis of the ECG. It is characterized by: | ||
* Alternating QRS complex amplitude or axis in a regular pattern. | * Alternating QRS complex amplitude or axis in a regular pattern. | ||
* It may be accompanied by other signs of pericardial effusion, such as low voltage QRS complexes. | * It may be accompanied by other signs of pericardial effusion, such as low voltage QRS complexes. | ||
== Management == | == Management == | ||
Management of electrical alternans involves addressing the underlying cause, typically a pericardial effusion. Treatment options may include: | Management of electrical alternans involves addressing the underlying cause, typically a pericardial effusion. Treatment options may include: | ||
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* Surgical intervention in cases of recurrent effusion or tamponade. | * Surgical intervention in cases of recurrent effusion or tamponade. | ||
* Medical management of the underlying condition causing the effusion. | * Medical management of the underlying condition causing the effusion. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Pericardial effusion]] | * [[Pericardial effusion]] | ||
* [[Cardiac tamponade]] | * [[Cardiac tamponade]] | ||
* [[Electrocardiogram]] | * [[Electrocardiogram]] | ||
* [[Pericardiocentesis]] | * [[Pericardiocentesis]] | ||
[[Category:Cardiology]] | [[Category:Cardiology]] | ||
[[Category:Electrophysiology]] | [[Category:Electrophysiology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:35, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Electrical alternans | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Palpitations, dizziness, syncope |
| Complications | Cardiac tamponade, heart failure |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, supraventricular tachycardia |
| Risks | Pericarditis, myocardial infarction, heart surgery |
| Diagnosis | Electrocardiogram |
| Differential diagnosis | Pericarditis, myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia |
| Prevention | Managing underlying conditions |
| Treatment | Pericardiocentesis, antiarrhythmic drugs |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Depends on underlying cause |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Electrical alternans is a phenomenon observed in the electrocardiogram (ECG) characterized by alternating amplitude or axis of the QRS complexes. It is often associated with pericardial effusion and can be an important diagnostic clue in clinical practice.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Electrical alternans occurs due to the swinging motion of the heart within a large volume of pericardial fluid, which causes changes in the electrical axis and amplitude of the heart's electrical activity. This is most commonly seen in cases of cardiac tamponade, where the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity exerts pressure on the heart, affecting its normal function.
Clinical Significance[edit]
The presence of electrical alternans on an ECG is a significant finding that can indicate the presence of a large pericardial effusion. It is important for clinicians to recognize this pattern as it may necessitate urgent intervention, such as pericardiocentesis, to relieve the pressure on the heart.
Diagnosis[edit]
Electrical alternans is diagnosed through careful analysis of the ECG. It is characterized by:
- Alternating QRS complex amplitude or axis in a regular pattern.
- It may be accompanied by other signs of pericardial effusion, such as low voltage QRS complexes.
Management[edit]
Management of electrical alternans involves addressing the underlying cause, typically a pericardial effusion. Treatment options may include:
- Pericardiocentesis to remove excess fluid from the pericardial space.
- Surgical intervention in cases of recurrent effusion or tamponade.
- Medical management of the underlying condition causing the effusion.
