RVH in Emphysema

Report:

Sinus rhythm 96/min

Right axis deviation +170o

Right atrial abnormality

Right ventricular hypertrophy

Poor R wave progression

Comment:

The QRS axis is bizarrely right, with negative lead 2, and the emphysema QRS complex is characteristically narrow. In V1 it has a qR morphology, the q said to result from right atrial enlargement displacing the subjacent (to V1) right ventricle15.

The precordial R wave progression – or, rather, lack thereof – is due to emphysema, RVH and the marked frontal axis deviation; old anterior MI is a possibility, but an unlikely one in this setting.

The cor pulmonale is rarely so pronounced in ECGs. When it is, like here, it implies severe, advanced lung disease.

Below is another trace, taken a week earlier (Fig 9a). The voltages are lower, but the basic configuration is the same; P axis is still close to +90o. The computer reported LAA because of increased PTF in V1; this is almost certainly RAA in disguise.

If you have any suggestions for or feedback on this report, please let us know.