Differential Diagnosis for Sinus Rhythm with Inferior T Wave Abnormality
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Ischemia or Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI): This is often the first consideration for T wave abnormalities, especially in the inferior leads, as it can indicate myocardial ischemia or infarction.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hypokalemia: Low potassium levels can cause various ECG changes, including T wave flattening or inversion, which might be more pronounced in the inferior leads.
- Hypomagnesemia: Similar to hypokalemia, low magnesium levels can affect the ECG, leading to T wave changes.
- Digitalis Effect: Patients on digitalis (digoxin) can exhibit T wave changes, including inversion, as a therapeutic effect of the medication.
- Inferior Ischemia due to Coronary Artery Disease: This could be due to atherosclerotic disease affecting the right coronary artery, which often supplies the inferior wall of the heart.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) in Evolution: Early signs of an inferior STEMI might initially present with T wave inversion before progressing to ST elevation.
- Pulmonary Embolism: While more commonly associated with right ventricular strain patterns, a large pulmonary embolism can cause inferior T wave inversions due to acute right heart strain.
- Cardiac Contusion or Trauma: Blunt trauma to the chest can cause myocardial contusion, which might present with ECG abnormalities, including T wave changes.
Rare Diagnoses
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC): This condition can lead to fibrofatty replacement of the right ventricular myocardium and might present with inferior T wave inversions among other ECG changes.
- Brugada Syndrome: Although more commonly associated with ST elevation in the right precordial leads, some forms of Brugada syndrome can present with T wave abnormalities in the inferior leads.
- Myocarditis: Inflammation of the myocardium can cause various ECG changes, including T wave inversions, which might be seen in the inferior leads depending on the area of the heart affected.