A tale of an abnormal ECG

Reversal of Fortune: ECG STEMI Mimic

This column discusses what appears to be a lead reversal in a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) of a routine low-risk chest pain evaluation in a 36-year-old man. A 12-lead ECG was completed and identified ST changes suggestive of ischemia in the inferior leads. Findings in the ECG suggested arm lead reversal that created an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) mimic. Repeating the ECG and correcting the arm lead mistake identified a correction of these changes and identified an ECG more suggestive of benign early repolarization or J-point elevation. This case discusses the importance of identifying ECG findings that may suggest arm lead reversal and how sometimes misplaced leads could create the appearance of an STEMI. This is a review of the case, key points to interpreting ECGs for possible lead reversal and identifying the REVERSE mnemonic.