An Electrocardiographic Artifact Synchronized With the Cardiac Rhythm: A Case Report
Authors: Changjun Li, Qinghua Chang, Li Yu, Renguang Liu
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2022)

LettersMarch 2022An Electrocardiographic Artifact Synchronized With the Cardiac Rhythm: A Case ReportChangjun Li, MD, Qinghua Chang, MD, Li Yu, PhD, Renguang Liu, MDChangjun Li, MDDepartment of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China, Qinghua Chang, MDCardiovascular Institute of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China, Li Yu, PhDDepartment of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China, Renguang Liu, MDCardiovascular Institute of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, ChinaAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/L21-0660 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail Background: Electrocardiographic artifacts are common and may interfere with a prompt and accurate diagnosis. Many artifacts occur because of limb movement, electrode misplacement, inadequate contact between the electrode and the skin, or loose connections elsewhere in the circuit. These artifacts can be recognized because they are not synchronized with the cardiac rhythm (1, 2).Objective: To describe an electrocardiographic artifact that is synchronized with the cardiac rhythm.Case Report: A 34-year-old previously healthy man had a routine medical evaluation and was referred to us for a cardiologic evaluation with the electrocardiogram shown in panel A of the Figure. His electrocardiogram ...References1. Huang W, Lu X. Normal electrocardiogram. In: Chen X, Zhang R, Wang S, et al, eds. Huang Wan Clinical Electrocardiogram. 6th ed. People's Health Pr; 2009:167-82. Google Scholar2. Osman W, Hanson M, Baranchuk A. Pseudo-ventricular tachycardia, pseudo-atrial fibrillation, and pseudo-atrial flutter in a patient with Parkinson disease: two's company, three's a crowd. JAMA Intern Med. 2019;179:824-6. [PMID: 31009038] doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.0746 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. Rajendran G, Muthanikkatt AM, Nathan B. Not all waves are factual. Circulation. 2021;144:751-3. [PMID: 34460323] doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.055522 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. Aslanger E. An unusual electrocardiogram artifact in a patient with near syncope. J Electrocardiol. 2010;43:686-8. [PMID: 20553822] doi:10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2010.04.012 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar5. Margulescu AD. Inferior ST-elevation on the ECG: what is the diagnosis. Circulation. 2017;135:1177-80. [PMID: 28320807] doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.116.027118 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Department of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, ChinaCardiovascular Institute of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, ChinaDepartment of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, ChinaAcknowledgment: The authors thank Shengtao Li and Hua Mu for helping to record the arterial pulse waveform.Disclosures: The authors have reported no disclosures of interest. The forms can be viewed at www.acponline.org/authors/icmje/ConflictOfInterestForms.do?msNum=L21-0660.Corresponding Author: Renguang Liu, MD, The Cardiovascular Institute of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Renmin Street, Jinzhou 121000, Liaoning Province, China; e-mail, [email protected]com.This article was published at Annals.org on 1 February 2022. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited byIncorrect ECG diagnoses?—Follow the LeadsAn unexpected ECG finding March 2022Volume 175, Issue 3Page: 456-458KeywordsAcute coronary syndromeElectrocardiographyHeart rateLaboratory testsSyncopeTachycardia ePublished: 1 February 2022 Issue Published: March 2022 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 2022 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...