T-wave inversion in the precordial leads: сardiac and non-cardiac causes

Abstract

The T-wave inversion (TWI) is a common electrocardiographic finding. Causes for TWI are numerous and sometimes TWI may appear in life-threatening conditions. The aim of this review was to provide an up-to-date analysis of TWI, including i) definition and prevalence; ii) causes, and iii) differential diagnosis in benign TWI, reversible myocardial ischemia of the left ventricular anterior wall; takotsubo cardiomyopathy; subarachnoid hemorrhage; pulmonary embolism; right ventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy; and “cardiac memory”. The review presents practical electrophysiological criteria, which allow suspecting in time a life-threatening condition to choose an up-to-date treatment.