DSAE STEMI Review, Mod 2: ST-segment Elevation Differential Diagnosis

In the next series of slides, we will discuss “ST-segment elevation” and a few of the differential diagnosis to keep in mind.  Please understand these are only a handful of differential diagnosis as regards ST-segment elevation; however for the sake of brevity we will narrow the discussion to comparison of the following, namely:

  • Pericarditis
  • Benign Normal Variant
  • Acute Anterior STEMI

These three are common presentations which can mimic each other and which frequently present a dilemma to the provider.


Before we delve into the specifics of theses three, let us briefly touch on the concept of ST-segment elevation:

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ST-SEGMENT OF THE NORMAL ECG

The ST-segment of the 12-lead ECG is frequently the most time consuming portion of the analysis of the ECG.  It is frequently the area of focus and disagreements among electrocardiographers since this area often reflects changes that will clinch the diagnosis of the acute MI or at least reflect subtle changes of suspect acute MI or myocardial ischemia or a benign normal variant.  With this said and done, it is also true that the ST-segment often-times defies analysis and one is often forced to concede that “I am not sure of the diagnosis”.  The important point to make here is that you must always look at the ST-segment (in all leads).

You must be aware that the ST-segment is ideally lying on the baseline to be NORMAL, but it is also true that a slight ST-segment elevation above the baseline (as a normal variant) is extremely common in the normal ECG (especially in Leads V1,V2,V3).

One of the keys to analyzing the ST-segment elevation meaning is in the curve shape (contour), described as concave up or concave down.

Here lies the diagnosis of suspect normal or suspect acute injury/infarction pattern.

“Figure A” demonstrates no elevation or depression of the ST-segment and is what we hope to see in a NORMAL” ECG in ALL leads.

“Figure B” demonstrates ST-segment elevation, i.e. the segment between time t1st and time t2st is elevated above the baseline.  You should take note that the elevation of the t1st , t2st segment takes on a specific shape:

CONCAVE DOWN (sheds water)

This terminology, “concave down”,  is useful and necessary for you to become familiar with since it is expected that your description of the 12-lead ECG will include such statements as “ST segment elevation present with concave down curvature”.  As will be discovered later, the contour of the ST-segment will sometimes be the determining factor as to whether the ECG is a benign normal variant or one of an acute injury pattern with it’s life-threatening implications.

As a routine part of the ECG analysis, it is advised that you literally mark the ECG tracing with a colored pencil indicating t1st and t2st, then focus on this segment to determine its concavity.

You will notice that points t1st and t2st are generally unclear as to their location, but you simply must “guess” where these points should be and mark them accordingly.  At best, points t1st and t2st are approximations and the CONCAVITY question will sometimes vary from interpreter to interpreter because of this variation in t1st and t2st.

“Figure C” demonstrates ST-segment elevation also but the ST-segment curvature is in a different direction from Figure B, i.e., it is “CONCAVE UP” (holds water).

It is interesting to note that “CONCAVE UP” is more often associated with a benign inconsequential normal variant of the ECG as will be seen in a later section.

“Figure D” demonstrates ST-depression below the baseline.

The purpose of presenting Figures A, B, C and D is to encourage the provider to program their mind to routinely mark and analyze the ST-segment of ALL leads of the 12-lead ECG.  In particular, you must know that the ST-segment must lie on the baseline to be categorized as NORMAL.  If this ST-segment baseline finding is violated, then you must analyze the curve further.  In particular, if the ST (t1st, t2st) segment is elevated, we must make a judgment as to its concavity, i.e. “CONCAVE DOWN” or “CONCAVE UP“.  This of course does not give the diagnosis but indeed is part of the puzzle and is absolutely vital to your final conclusion.