Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine (May 2020)

Cardiac Memory-induced T-wave Inversions

  • Sara C. Polito,
  • Jonathan A. Giordano,
  • Benjamin L. Cooper

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5811/cpcem.2020.1.45527
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 2

Abstract

Read online

Introduction: Cardiac memory refers to T-wave inversions that result when normal ventricular activation resumes following a period of abnormal ventricular activation. Case Report: We present a case of a 29-year-old man with a pacemaker who presented with new, deep symmetric T-wave inversions caused by cardiac memory. Discussion: Abnormal ventricular activation is most commonly induced by ventricular pacing but can also occur in the setting of transient left bundle branch blocks, ventricular tachycardia, and intermittent ventricular pre-excitation. Conclusion: Recognition of this phenomenon may help to reduce unnecessary admissions, cardiac testing, and cardiac catheterizations.