Differential Diagnosis for ST Elevation in V1 Lead Only
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute Anterior Myocardial Infarction (MI): Although ST elevation in V1 alone might not typically suggest a large area of infarction, it can still indicate an acute MI, particularly if there are accompanying symptoms and other ECG changes such as Q waves or T wave inversions in the same lead.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pericarditis: This condition can cause ST elevation in various leads, including V1. The presence of ST elevation in V1 without significant Q waves or reciprocal changes might suggest pericarditis, especially if there is associated chest pain and PR depression.
- Early Repolarization: A benign condition that can mimic ST elevation on an ECG. It's characterized by an elevated J-point and can be seen in healthy individuals, often in the precordial leads.
- Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH): LVH can cause repolarization abnormalities, including ST elevation in the precordial leads, due to the increased thickness of the left ventricular wall.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Although less common, a large PE can cause ST elevation in lead V1 due to the strain it puts on the right ventricle. This diagnosis is critical to consider due to its high mortality rate if untreated.
- Aortic Dissection: This is a life-threatening condition that can cause chest pain and ECG changes, including ST elevation in V1, due to involvement of the coronary arteries or aortic root.
Rare Diagnoses
- Brugada Syndrome: A genetic disorder that affects the heart's electrical system and can cause ST elevation in the right precordial leads (V1-V3), often with a characteristic "coved" or "saddleback" appearance.
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC): A rare condition that affects the right ventricle, potentially causing ST elevation in V1 due to fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium.
- Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle that can cause various ECG abnormalities, including ST elevation in any lead, depending on the area of the heart affected.