Technical Problems

Author(s) J.S.S.G. de Jong
Moderator J.S.S.G. de Jong
Supervisor
some notes about authorship

Lead reversals

Lead switches are a common mistake when ECGs are made and can lead to wrong diagnoses. Common mistakes are:

  • left - right arm reversals. This leads to a negative complex in lead I with also a negative P wave in lead I. It is one of the most common causes of right axis deviation on the ECG!
  • Arm - foot switches lead to a very small or 'far field' signal in leads II or III.
  • Chest lead reversal lead to inappropiate R wave progression (increase - decrease - increase) and are often easily recognized.

More specific patterns with every lead reversal:

  • right leg and right arm:
    • Hardly any signal in lead II.
  • right and left arm electrodes;
    • reversal of leads II and III
    • reversal of leads aVR and aVL
  • left arm and left leg:
    • reversal of leads I and II
    • reversal of leads aVR and aVF
    • inversion of lead III
  • right arm and left leg:
    • inversion of leads I, II and III
    • reversal of leads aVR and aVF

It is possible to distinguish lead reversal and dextrocardia by watching the precordial leads. Dextrocardia will not show any R wave progression in leads V1-V6, whereas lead reversal will.

Artifacts

Artifacts (disturbances) can have many causes. Common causes are:

Movement

Electrical interference