Electrocardiographic manifestations: Pulmonary embolism

The electrocardiographic findings associated with pulmonary embolism have b een well described in the medical literature for over 50 years. These abnor malities include changes in rhythm, QRS axis, and morphology, particularly in the QRS and T waves. Such findings may reflect hemodynamic changes, such as right heart strain, as well as myocardial ischemia associated with the disease. Although certain findings may correlate with the severity of pulmo nary embolism, the overall utility of the electrocardiogram is limited due to the variable presence, frequency, and transient nature of most of the ab normalities associated with the disease. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc.