Usefulness of electrocardiography in the differential diagnosis of dyspnoea

Abstract

We report a case of a 88-year-old female, admitted to the hospital with tachycardia, chest pain and dyspnoea. ECG revelead a recent new-onset atrial fibrillation. A pharmacological cardioversion with amiodarone was performed, and restoration of sinus rhythm was obtained. Sotalol for rhythm control was administered. On the eighth day after the admission, she presented with severe dyspnoea and hypotension. An ECG revelead torsade de pointes, associated with prolonged QT interval. Several factors are involved in determining dyspnoea. ECG, although not specific, is an important instrument that supports clinicians in assessment of dyspnoea.