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The correct interpretation includes marked sinus bradycardia with a second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block (Mobitz I) and occasional junctional escape, left-axis deviation, and evidence of an inferior MI. Poor R-wave progression is also noted in the precordial leads.
Marked sinus bradycardia is seen in the first three and the last four P waves of the rhythm strip. The P-P intervals have a rate of 50 beats/min—different than the overall rate of the QRS complex (remember, “sinus” is synonymous with “P wave”!). The rate of the QRS complex (38 beats/min) is slower than the atrial rate, signifying a block of some sort.
Second-degree AV block is evident from the lengthening PR interval in the first two P-QRS complexes, followed by a P wave with no associated QRS complex. Although the fourth QRS complex in the rhythm strip is narrow and similar in appearance to the others, it’s too far from the previous P wave to have been conducted from the atrium—indicating a junctional escape beat arising from the AV node. (The rhythm returns to second-degree AV block for the remainder of the beats seen on the ECG.)
Left-axis deviation is signified by the R axis of –78° (lower than the normal limit of –30°). The Q waves in leads II, III, and aVF indicate a prior inferior MI. Finally, poor R-wave progression is seen in the precordial leads, with no significant transition between leads V1 and V6.
Although second-degree AV block is not an indication for permanent pacing, symptomatic bradycardia that persists despite medical management is. Because this patient was symptomatic while taking an AV nodal blocking agent (metoprolol), a permanent pacemaker was recommended.
ANSWER
The correct interpretation includes marked sinus bradycardia with a second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block (Mobitz I) and occasional junctional escape, left-axis deviation, and evidence of an inferior MI. Poor R-wave progression is also noted in the precordial leads.
Marked sinus bradycardia is seen in the first three and the last four P waves of the rhythm strip. The P-P intervals have a rate of 50 beats/min—different than the overall rate of the QRS complex (remember, “sinus” is synonymous with “P wave”!). The rate of the QRS complex (38 beats/min) is slower than the atrial rate, signifying a block of some sort.
Second-degree AV block is evident from the lengthening PR interval in the first two P-QRS complexes, followed by a P wave with no associated QRS complex. Although the fourth QRS complex in the rhythm strip is narrow and similar in appearance to the others, it’s too far from the previous P wave to have been conducted from the atrium—indicating a junctional escape beat arising from the AV node. (The rhythm returns to second-degree AV block for the remainder of the beats seen on the ECG.)
Left-axis deviation is signified by the R axis of –78° (lower than the normal limit of –30°). The Q waves in leads II, III, and aVF indicate a prior inferior MI. Finally, poor R-wave progression is seen in the precordial leads, with no significant transition between leads V1 and V6.
Although second-degree AV block is not an indication for permanent pacing, symptomatic bradycardia that persists despite medical management is. Because this patient was symptomatic while taking an AV nodal blocking agent (metoprolol), a permanent pacemaker was recommended.
ANSWER
The correct interpretation includes marked sinus bradycardia with a second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block (Mobitz I) and occasional junctional escape, left-axis deviation, and evidence of an inferior MI. Poor R-wave progression is also noted in the precordial leads.
Marked sinus bradycardia is seen in the first three and the last four P waves of the rhythm strip. The P-P intervals have a rate of 50 beats/min—different than the overall rate of the QRS complex (remember, “sinus” is synonymous with “P wave”!). The rate of the QRS complex (38 beats/min) is slower than the atrial rate, signifying a block of some sort.
Second-degree AV block is evident from the lengthening PR interval in the first two P-QRS complexes, followed by a P wave with no associated QRS complex. Although the fourth QRS complex in the rhythm strip is narrow and similar in appearance to the others, it’s too far from the previous P wave to have been conducted from the atrium—indicating a junctional escape beat arising from the AV node. (The rhythm returns to second-degree AV block for the remainder of the beats seen on the ECG.)
Left-axis deviation is signified by the R axis of –78° (lower than the normal limit of –30°). The Q waves in leads II, III, and aVF indicate a prior inferior MI. Finally, poor R-wave progression is seen in the precordial leads, with no significant transition between leads V1 and V6.
Although second-degree AV block is not an indication for permanent pacing, symptomatic bradycardia that persists despite medical management is. Because this patient was symptomatic while taking an AV nodal blocking agent (metoprolol), a permanent pacemaker was recommended.
A 72-year-old
Medical history is remarkable for type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease, and a remote inferior myocardial infarction (MI) 14 years ago. Surgical history includes a cholecystectomy and an open reduction and internal fixation of a left high ankle fracture.
His current medication list includes metformin, isosorbide dinitrate, metoprolol, and atorvastatin. He has an anaphylactic allergy to sulfa. He cannot give a family history, as he was adopted and does not know his biological family.
The patient, a retired welder, is a recovering alcoholic; he attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings regularly and has been sober for more than 12 years. He smoked a half-pack of cigarettes each day as a teenager but quit when he got married 52 years ago. He is a widower. His son died in an automobile accident at age 32; his daughter lives nearby and checks on him every day.
Review of systems is remarkable for neuropathic foot pain due to diabetes, recurrent constipation, corrective lenses, and hearing aids. The remainder of the review is noncontributory.
Vital signs include a blood pressure of 112/56 mm Hg; pulse, 40 beats/min; respiratory rate, 16 breaths/min-1; and temperature, 99.2°F. His height is 76 in and his weight, 194 lb. Physical exam reveals an elderly but otherwise healthy-looking male in no distress.
The HEENT exam is remarkable for early cataract formation but is otherwise normal. His dentition is in remarkably excellent health. There is no thyromegaly or jugular venous distention, and the lungs are clear in all fields without wheezes or crackles.
Cardiac exam reveals a roughly normal rate of 40 beats/min. It is difficult to determine whether there is respiratory variation, given the slower rate. There is an early grade II/VI systolic murmur of aortic sclerosis best heard at the left upper sternal border. It does not radiate elsewhere. There are no extra heart sounds or rubs.
The abdomen has well-healed surgical scars with no palpable organomegaly. Bowel sounds are present in all quadrants. A rectal exam reveals impaction of firm stool; the prostate is not palpable given the amount of firm stool present.
The extremities have full range of motion without clubbing, cyanosis, or edema. Peripheral pulses are full bilaterally in both upper and lower extremities. A well-healed surgical scar is present on the left lateral lower extremity, and a plate is palpable beneath the skin. Skin sensitivity testing with 2-point pinprick of the soles and toes of both feet reveals extensive paresthesias. Apart from this, the neurologic exam is grossly normal. There is no evidence of diabetic foot ulcers.
An ECG shows a ventricular rate of 38 beats/min; no discernable PR interval; QRS duration, 78 ms; QT/QTc interval, 434/345 ms; P axis, 25°; R axis, –78°; and T axis, 13°. What is your interpretation?
