"Intermittent" and transient ST-segment elevation following direct current cardioversion

Int J Cardiol. 1988 Sep;20(3):403-5. doi: 10.1016/0167-5273(88)90296-3.

Abstract

Transient ST-segment elevation immediately following direct current cardioversion is a clearly documented occurrence in a small percentage of cases. Two main explanations have been suggested: myocardial injury or coronary vasospasm. We report two cases of "intermittent" and transient ST-segment elevation after cardioversion. Such intermittent elevation of the ST segment has not been reported previously. We hypothesize that this electrocardiographic observation is explained by a timing difference induced by electroshock in the action potential between the epicardium and endocardium.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Electric Countershock*
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Endocardium / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardium / physiology