Electrocardiographic manifestations: Benign early repolarization

Early repolarization, also known as benign early repolarization (BER) or no rmal variant, is noted in approximately 1% of the population and in up to 4 8% of patients seen In the Emergency Department with chest pain. BER repres ents a benign variant of the normal electrocardiogram and is one of several syndromes producing electrocardiographic ST segment elevation (STE). The e lectrocardiogram (EKG) findings of BER include diffuse or widespread ST seg ment elevation, upward concavity of the initial portion of the ST segment, notching or slurring of the terminal QRS complex, and concordant T waves of large amplitude. This article focuses on BER and includes the electrocardi ographic findings useful in making the diagnosis as well as distinguishing BER from other STE syndromes. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.