MYOCARDITIS CHARACTERISTICS IN DIPHTHERIA -AFFECTED ADULTS (DATA OF THE EPIDEMIC 1993-1994)

In 45% of 212 cases of diphtheria toxica in adults heart complications were observed. The earliest ECG-signs are sinus bradycardia, AV disso ciation, AV escape rhythms, prolongation of QT-interval, high U-wave ( U>T, T+U- wave). In the cases where differential diagnosis of myocardi tis and other heart diseases in adults is difficult, the attention mus t be focused on the sickle-like depression (''sagging'') of ST-interva l that is a typical sign in diphtheric myocarditis. The most severe fo rms of diphtheric myocarditis are complicated by AV- and intraventricu lar conduction disturbances and malignant ventricular arrhythmias.