A study of ECG abnormalities and myocardial specific enzymes in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage

Abstract

Twenty-two patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage were investigated for changes in myoglobin, total CK, CK-MB and CK-BB in serum and for the incidence of ECG abnormalities. Serial ECG's showed abnormalities in 20 patients; 15 of these had T wave changes, 15 Q-Tc prolongation, ten had S-T depression and nine U waves and in seven cases arrhythmias were found. The purpose of the study was to find out whether a relationship could be established between the ECG abnormalities and changes in serum myoglobin and enzymes. However, in no patient could myoglobin or enzyme patterns consistent with acute myocardial or cerebral damage be observed and therefore the ECG abnormalities do not seem to be related to detectable myocardial damage.