Heliyon (Feb 2024)

Double counting heart rate - Littmann sign in electrocardiogram

  • Wei Wang,
  • Mei-yu Deng,
  • Wen-Hui Zhai,
  • Jian-hui Ma,
  • Ying Zhang,
  • Jian-xin Ma,
  • Jin-ping Zhang

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 4
p. e26020

Abstract

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This report highlights necessity of correctly and quickly identifying Littmann sign. Littmann sign is not common in clinical practice, which is easily overlooked by most physicians, leading to delays in the treatment of hyperkalemia. A 68 year old patient with hyperkalemia was found to have inconsistent heart rate displayed on electrocardiogram monitoring with cardiac auscultation and synchronous electrocardiogram in the early stages of onset. Hyperkalemia was highly suspected by the Littmann sign. After completing arterial blood gas analysis, hyperkalemia was identified and active potassium lowering treatment was immediately initiated. The Littmann syndrome disappeared, and the patient eventually recovered.

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