Acute electrocardiographic changes after pneumonectomy.

BACKGROUND

Postpneumonectomy electrocardiographic (ECG) changes have not been well-defined.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical data and the preoperative and postpneumonectomy ECGs of 15 patients who had pneumonectomy.

RESULTS

All postpneumonectomy ECGs showed a higher heart rate and two (13%) showed diffuse ST elevation. Four patients (27%) had transient atrial arrhythmias. Five patients (33%) had some ECG findings of acute cor pulmonale. A leftward shift of the QRS axis occurred after left pneumonectomy. The precordial transitional zone shifted counterclockwise after right pneumonectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Except for one case of septal myocardial infarction, postpneumonectomy ECG changes appeared to result from the pneumonectomy and not from cardiopulmonary disease. Recognition of expected postpneumonectomy ECG findings will help avoid confusing these changes with acute cardiac and pulmonary events, which should reduce patient morbidity and costs.