Sine-wave pattern on the electrocardiogram and hyperkalaemia

Abstract

Hyperkalaemia is an electrolyte disturbance that can have effects on myocardial conduction causing electrocardiographic changes. Several factors may predispose to and promote potassium serum level increase leading to typical electrocardiographic abnormalities. We describe the case of a patient who presented with hyperkalaemia and an electrocardiographic aspect consistent with a sine-wave pattern.

Hyperkalaemic paralysis presenting as ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a case report

“…As in our patient, hyperkalaemic paralysis is typically flaccid with intact sphincter tone and preserved sensory and cranial nerves [ 6 ]. EKG could show changes ranging from normal to tall T-waves with wide QRS, pseudo infracts, to the other extreme of having sine – wave and asystole [ 7 - 9 ]. EKG changes have no correlation to the level of serum potassium [ 10 ].…”