inverted t-wave

[thenderson]

what is the significance of an inverted t-wave?

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[Skrubz]

myocardial ischemia

 

[Kalel]

It could also be hypokalemia. If it's really inverted, it could represent the hyperacute phase of subendocardial infarction as well.

 

[Skrubz]

Very true. Additionally, if it's in III, it could also signify a PE. However, I don't know off-hand how often you would get an isolated T wave inversion in III without the other EKG changes in PE (marked S wave in I and Q wave in III).

Obviously not thinking too well during the wee hours of the morning and only marginally better now that it's after lunch. 😀

 

[Crypt Abscess]

As Skrubz pointed out, the S1Q3T3 phenomenon may be seen in PE or any condition that causes acute cor pulmonale. As to your original question- T-waves are the most non-specific and most labile aspect of the ECG. T-waves are always inverted in aVR. There is a long differential for T-wave inversion in the leads in which T-waves are normally upright (I, II, V3-V6) and includes ischemia, myocarditis, pericarditis, chest trauma.... Also remember that for it to be really significant it must be in more than one lead. Hope this helps. Crypt

 

[Surfer75]

Remember to pay close attention to whether or not the TWI is symmetrical as then ischemia would be more likely.

 

[thenderson]

the reason i ask is because i had an ekg and the results showed t-wave abnormalities that were diffuse and nonspecific (-.10mV ANT/LAT/INF) i have also had echos., nuclear stress test, cardiac MR, chest x-rays, holter test and everthing has come back normal....the doctor told me that the inverted t-wave was nothing to worry about .....any thoughts? i could scan the copy of the ekg is anyone would like to see it...

 

[hypo777]

the reason i ask is because i had an ekg and the results showed t-wave abnormalities that were diffuse and nonspecific (-.10mV ANT/LAT/INF) i have also had echos., nuclear stress test, cardiac MR, chest x-rays, holter test and everthing has come back normal....the doctor told me that the inverted t-wave was nothing to worry about .....any thoughts? i could scan the copy of the ekg is anyone would like to see it...

i was wondering what was the result with ur ecg's having those findings?

 

[Cardsnurse]

i was wondering what was the result with ur ecg's having those findings?

Dosen't inverted t wave usually indicate some kind of tissue damage? Or electrolytes...EKG's can change, maybe get it done again? I have never seen a problem with an inverted T wave (and nothing else), though, in my limited scope. Was there a reason you got the EKG? Sounds like you got the whole cardiac work up.

 

[Annette]

the reason i ask is because i had an ekg and the results showed t-wave abnormalities that were diffuse and nonspecific (-.10mV ANT/LAT/INF) i have also had echos., nuclear stress test, cardiac MR, chest x-rays, holter test and everthing has come back normal....the doctor told me that the inverted t-wave was nothing to worry about .....any thoughts? i could scan the copy of the ekg is anyone would like to see it...

This is the last place you want to get your medical advice from! Also, it is against TOS.

That aside, deep inverted T waves can also be a sign of intracranial hemorrhage. Cardiac wise, it can be non-specific changes (benign), ischemia, electrolytes, etc. Interpretation depends on the clinical scenario. For example, a person with chest pain and new isolated inverted T waves will be looked at more closely for CAD. If the inverted T waves are old, there is as much concern about CAD, but the patient will get further workup anyway. If the person has mental status changes with deep inverted T waves, he will be getting his head scanned and a neurosurg consult.

 

[AJM]

i was wondering what was the result with ur ecg's having those findings?

Wow - way to bump up a 2.5 year-old thread!

But since the purpose of this forum is not for soliciting medical advice, this thread is being closed.