Open AccessUsefulness of electrocardiography in the differential diagnosis of dyspnoea
Author(s) -
Flavio Cerrato,
Albino Claudio Bosio,
Claudio Pascale
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
clinical management issues
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2283-3137
pISSN - 1973-4832
DOI - 10.7175/cmi.v5i2s.1107
Subject(s) - medicine , sotalol , amiodarone , sinus rhythm , cardioversion , electrocardiography , cardiology , atrial fibrillation , chest pain , anesthesia , sinus tachycardia , qt interval , normal sinus rhythm , tachycardia
We report a case of a 88-year-old female, admitted to the hospital with tachycardia, chest pain and dyspnoea. ECG revelead a recent new-onset atrial fibrillation. A pharmacological cardioversion with amiodarone was performed, and restoration of sinus rhythm was obtained. Sotalol for rhythm control was administered. On the eighth day after the admission, she presented with severe dyspnoea and hypotension. An ECG revelead torsade de pointes, associated with prolonged QT interval. Several factors are involved in determining dyspnoea. ECG, although not specific, is an important instrument that supports clinicians in assessment of dyspnoea.