Electrocardiographical case. Elderly woman with sudden onset of post-operative dyspnoea

KL Ho, WS Teo
Correspondence: Dr Ho Kah Leng, Ho_Kah_Leng@nhc.com.sg

ABSTRACT
A 70-year-old Chinese woman developed breathlessness, tachycardia and hypotension on the fourth day after total hip replacement. 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus tachycardia with ST depression in I, II, V5 and V6. The ECG changes of sinus tachycardia along with a typical history is suggestive of pulmonary embolism. Diagnosis, treatment and the use of IVC filter for pulmonary embolism are discussed.

Keywords: acute pulmonary embolism, warfarin
Singapore Med J 2005; 46(3): 144-147