BENIGN EARLY REPOLARIZATION - ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC MANIFESTATIONS ANDDIFFERENTIATION FROM OTHER ST SEGMENT ELEVATION SYNDROMES

Early repolarization, also known as benign early repolarization (BER) or normal variant, is noted in approximately 1% of the population and in up to 48% of patients seen in the emergency department with chest p ain. BER represents a benign variant of the normal electrocardiogram a nd is one of several syndromes producing electrocardiographic ST segme nt elevation. BER electrocardiographically includes diffuse or widespr ead ST segment elevation. upward concavity of the initial portion of t he ST segment, notching or slurring of the terminal QRS complex, and c oncordant T waves of large amplitude. This article focuses on BER and includes a discussion of the electrocardiographic tools useful in maki ng this diagnosis and in distinguishing BER from other ST segment elev ation syndromes. (Am J Emerg Med 1998;16:592-597. Copyright (C) 1998 b y W.B. Saunders Company).