Electrocardiogram (ECG) in pericarditis

Electrocardiogram in acute pericarditis showing diffuse upsloping ST-segment elevations seen best here in leads II, III, aVF, and V2 to V6. There is also subtle PR-segment deviation (positive in aVR, negative in most other leads). ST-segment elevation is due to a ventricular current of injury associated with epicardial inflammation; similarly, the PR-segment changes are due to an atrial current of injury which, in pericarditis, typically displaces the PR segment upward in lead aVR and downward in most other leads.

Normal electrocardiogram showing normal sinus rhythm at a rate of 75 beats/minute, a PR interval of 0.14 seconds, a QRS interval of 0.10 seconds, and a QRS axis of approximately 75°.