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Review
. 2024 Apr 19;86(6):3551-3556.
doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002080. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Electrocardiographic changes in pneumothorax: an updated review

Hina Arsh  1 , Nandhini Iyer  1 , Muteen Ahmed  1 , Versha Kumari  1 , Umaima N Khan  1 , Chander P Khatri  1 , Fnu Payal  1 , Sameet Kumar  1 , Muhammad T Hayat  1 , Deepak Kumar  1 , Deepa Rani  1 , Fnu Partab  1 , Shiwani Keswani  1 , Amin Mehmoodi  1   2 , Jahanzeb Malik  1
Affiliations
Review

Electrocardiographic changes in pneumothorax: an updated review

Hina Arsh et al. Ann Med Surg (Lond). .

Abstract

ECG changes in pneumothorax have gained recognition as important indicators of cardiopulmonary interactions. This narrative review examines the existing literature to provide insights into the various ECG abnormalities observed in patients with pneumothorax, their underlying mechanisms, and clinical implications. The review highlights the commonly reported changes, including alterations in the electrical axis, ST segment deviations, T-wave abnormalities, and arrhythmias. The rightward shift of the electrical axis is attributed to cardiac displacement caused by increased intrathoracic pressure. ST segment deviations may reflect the influence of altered intrathoracic pressure on myocardial oxygen supply and demand. T-wave abnormalities may result from altered myocardial repolarization and hypoxemia. Arrhythmias, although varying in incidence and type, have been associated with pneumothorax. The clinical implications of these ECG changes are discussed, emphasizing their role in diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment optimization, and prognostication. Additionally, future research directions are outlined, including prospective studies, mechanistic investigations, and the integration of artificial intelligence. Enhancing our understanding of ECG changes in pneumothorax can lead to improved patient care, better management strategies, and the development of evidence-based guidelines. The objective of this review is to demonstrate the presence of various ECG abnormalities in patients with pneumothorax.

Keywords: arrhythmia; coronary artery disease; ischemia; p-wave; pericardial effusion.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
ECG changes in pneumothorax.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Sensitivity and specificity of ECG features in pneumothorax.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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