Electrocardiographic Changes Associated With Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage In 97 Patients

Electrocardiographic (ECG) alterations in the course of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have been reported. The most frequent anomalies reported were lengthening of the QT interval, very negative or positive deep T waves, elevation or depression of the ST segment and the presence of U waves. We report 97 cases of SAH , 6 3 c ases w ith E CG c hanges. We r eview t he 1 iterarure w ith particular regard to discussion of the possible pathogenesis of ECG changes and to the way they may affect the general clinical course. There are two mechanisms that might mediate ECG changes in these patients, that is, autonomic neural stimulation from the hypothalamus or elevated circulating catecholamines. Patients with more severe grades of SAH were most likely to have elevated cTnl and to clinically manifest myocardial dysfunction. Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities had been detected wasreversible.