Electrocardiographic Changes in Acute and Chronic Pericarditis in the Goat

Clinical electrocardiographic experiences emphasized to us the similarity of the subjective, physical and electrocardiographic findings in hemopericardium and acute fulminating pericarditis, but we also noted electrocardiographic changes in the subacute or chronic healing stages of pericardial inflammation. In order to get more exact information, Cohnheim's classical experiments were repeated but instead of using oil or saline as Katz, Feil and Scott and the Foulgers had done in the dog, we used air, oxygen and blood as well as saline pressure in the pericardium of the goat. (Fig. 1.) We also found, as others have a direct relationship between intra-pericardial pressure and electrocardiographic changes. After the acute pressure experiments (Fig. 1) protein solution or bacterial cultures were introduced into the sutured closed pericardium and the subsequent developments studied. (Figs. 2 and 3.) The elevation of the RST sector in all 4 leads was produced as shown in Fig. 2 (4–23) by the acute great increase in intrapericardial pressure, also lesser RST interval changes with slight elevation, upward convexity and negative T waves. (Fig. 1.) These changes were preceded by, the probably chiefly the result of, the sharp drop in peripheral BP that resulted from the auricular collapse incident to the increased intrapericardial pressure. (Fig. I KYMO. AIR. P. EXP. I.) The electrocardiographic changes disappeared shortly after the intrapericardial pressure was reduced or as the pericardium stretched or the fluid was absorbed. The electrocardiographic findings in hemopericardium or acute fulminating exudative pericarditis may be explained on the same premises.