Spiked Helmet sign

Q: 'Spiked Helmet' on EKG is due to

A) Hypothermia
B) Acute myocardial infarction (MI)
C) Hypokalemia
D) Repetitive contraction of the diaphragm 
E) prolong QT interval


Answer: D

"The spiked helmet sign is a potential novel ECG marker of a very high risk of impending death, but the prevalence, mechanism, and clinical applicability remain uncertain at this time".

Above statement is referenced from the following article:

"The “Spiked Helmet” Sign: A New Electrocardiographic Marker of Critical Illness and High Risk of Death" 

Citation: Littmann L, Monroe MH. The “Spiked Helmet” Sign: A New Electrocardiographic Marker of Critical Illness and High Risk of Death. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2011;86(12):1245-1246. doi:10.4065/mcp.2011.0647

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3228627/


#cardiology