12 lead ECG depicting correct lead placement. (A) ECG recording. (B) Correct lead placements on chest and arms.
Cite as: Rosen AV, Koppikar S, Shaw C, Baranchuk A. Common ECG Lead Placement Errors. Part I: Limb Lead Reversals. Int J Med Students. 2014 Jul-Oct;2(3):92-8.
Allison V. Rosen1, Sahil Koppikar2, Catherine Shaw3, Adrian Baranchuk3
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2014.95
Volume 2, Number 3: 92-98
Received 27 06 2014: Accepted 03 09 2014
ABSTRACT
BackgroundElectrocardiography (ECG) is a very useful diagnostic tool. However, errors in placement of ECG leads can create artifacts, mimic pathologies, and hinder proper ECG interpretation. It is important for members of the health care team to be able to recognize the common patterns resulting from lead placement errors.
Methods12-lead ECGs were recorded in a single male healthy subject in his mid 20s. Six different limb lead reversals were compared to ECG recordings from correct lead placement.
ResultsClassic ECG patterns were observed when leads were reversed. Methods of discriminating these ECG patterns from true pathologic findings were described.
ConclusionCorrect recording and interpretation of ECGs is key to providing optimal patient care. It is therefore crucial to be able to recognize common ECG patterns that are indicative of lead reversals.
Keywords: Cardiology; Electrocardiography; Medical Errors; Limb Lead Reversal; Medical Education.
Electrocardiography (ECG) remains a very useful diagnostic tool in the 21st century.1 In this clinical era, it remains one of the most useful diagnostic tools in medicine.2 It is both inexpensive and very efficacious in many different clinical scenarios. However, proper ECG recording is of utmost importance in order to ensure an accurate interpretation of findings.3 Due to the structure of different healthcare programs, ECGs may be recorded not by expert technicians, but by whoever is available.4–6 This has led to multiple errors in interpreting results.7–10 Erroneous interpretation of ECGs has led to improper treatment of patients.11, 12 Prior work has identified some common ECG placement errors and their resulting artifacts.13 The REVERSE mnemonic is a useful tool that can be used to identify abnormal electrocardiographic findings and the common placement errors that can elicit such findings (Table 1).7
Table 1.REVERSE mnemonic: an easy approach to remember the most frequent causes of electrocardiographic placement errors and artifacts.7
| Abnormal Finding | Significance | |
|---|---|---|
| R | R wave is positive in lead aVR (P wave also positive) | Reversal of left arm and right arm electrodes |
| E | Extreme axis deviation: QRS axis between +180° and -90° (negative R wave in lead I, positive R wave in aVF | Reversal of left arm and right arm electrodes |
| V | Very low (<0.1 mV) amplitude in an isolated limb lead (isolated “flat” lead) | Reversal of right leg and left arm or right arm electrodes |
| E | Exchanged amplitude of the P waves (P wave in lead I greater than in lead II) | Reversal of left arm and left leg electrodes |
| R | R wave abnormal progression in the precordial leads (predominant R wave in V1, predominant S wave in V6) | Reversal of precordial electrodes (V1 through V6) |
| S | Suspect dextrocardia (negative P waves in lead I) | Reversal of left arm and right arm electrodes |
| E | Eliminate noise and interference (artifact mimicking tachycardias or ST-T changes) |
The purpose of this study is to review some of the most common recording errors. For the purpose of clarity, this work has been divided into two parts. Part 1 is dedicated to limb lead reversals. Part 2 will deal with precordial placement errors.
A 24-year-old healthy male on no medications, and with no medical conditions, served as a model for ECG recordings. Recordings were obtained with the help of an expert technician (CS). A 12-lead ECG (General Electric, Mac 5500, United States) set up at 150 Hz, 25.0 mm/s, and 10.0 mm/V was taken in a normal supine position. Arm electrode placements were selected in accordance with the AHA recommendations (Figure 1).14 A series of lead reversals were conducted in order to recreate these classic patterns.
Figure 1.12 lead ECG depicting correct lead placement. (A) ECG recording. (B) Correct lead placements on chest and arms.
Reversal of the arm electrodes is a common error.15 This produces a reversed P wave, QRS complex, and T wave in leads I and aVL (Figure 2). These findings can mimic an ectopic atrial rhythm, however, the inverted P waves should not be followed by QRS inversion in ectopic atrial rhythms. In the case presented here, the negative polarity of the QRS and T wave ruled out ectopic atrial rhythm.16 Inversion of P waves and QRS complexes in leads I and aVL can also be misinterpreted as dextrocardia. Dextrocardia can be ruled out as a diagnosis by noting normal R wave progression in the precordial leads in the context of an arm reversal. Dextrocardia will typically present with poor R wave progression in the precordial leads, as ventricular depolarization occurs in the opposite direction.7, 15
Figure 2.12 lead ECG depicting left arm and right arm reversal. (A) ECG recording. (B) Arrows point to reversal of leads on left arm and right arm.
Reversal of the leg leads does not produce a significantly altered ECG, as seen in Figure 3. It has therefore been hypothesized that this error goes unrecognized in many cases.15, 16
Figure 3.12 lead ECG depicting left leg and right leg reversal. (A) ECG recording. (B) Arrows point to reversal of leads on left leg and right leg.
Reversal of the left limb leads can create subtle changes that are easily missed.16 This reversal results in Einthoven's triangle rotating 180 degrees vertically around an axis formed by aVR. Therefore, a left arm and left leg reversal can be confirmed if the P wave amplitude is greater in lead I than in lead II and/or a positive component of the terminal P wave is observed in lead III (Figure 4). This finding is known as the “Abdollah sign”.7, 17
Figure 4.12 lead ECG depicting left arm and left leg reversal. (A) ECG recording. (B) Arrows point to reversal of leads on left arm and left leg.
If a reversal involves the right leg and one of the arms, the potential difference recorded between the legs will be zero.7 This results in a “flat-line” or pseudoasystole of an isolated lead. Reversal of the left arm and right leg will result in pseduoasystole in lead III (Figure 5).15, 16 Similarly, reversal of the right arm and right leg results in pseudoasystole in lead II (Figure 6).7, 8, 15
Figure 5.12 lead ECG depicting left leg and right leg reversal. (A) ECG recording. (B) Arrows point to reversal of leads on left leg and right leg.
12 lead ECG depicting right arm and right leg reversal. (A) ECG recording. (B) Arrows point to reversal of leads on right arm and right leg.
The presence of low voltages in the limb leads could suggest a diagnosis of anything that “dampens” the reading between the heart and a recording electrode, such as a pericardial effusion or amyloidosis. However, low voltages in all the leads are required for such a diagnosis. In the case presented here, while there are low amplitudes and voltages, they are isolated to one limb lead. Furthermore, the precordial leads are all normal, making a lead reversal the most likely diagnosis.8
Reversal of the right arm and left leg electrodes produces a generalized inversion of all the frontal plane leads (I, II, III, aVF) except aVL. Furthermore, lead aVR is upright. This recording can closely mimic a chronic phase inferior myocardial infarction due to inverted T waves and QS complexes in leads II, III and aVF (Figure 7). However, a high index of suspicion is required to detect lead reversal, as lead I and aVR will not be inverted from baseline in an inferior myocardial infarction.18
Figure 7.12 lead ECG depicting right arm and left leg reversal. (A) ECG recording. (B) Arrows point to reversal of leads on right arm and left leg.
Reversal of right arm with right leg, and left arm with left leg can have several physiologic mimics (Figure 8). The low voltage in the limb leads is suggestive of a pericardial effusion. However, the precordial leads are normal, making this diagnosis less likely.19 Low atrial rhythm might similarly be suspected due to inverted P waves in leads II, III and aVF. However, the diagnosis of low atrial rhythm further relies on QRS complexes being usually upright in the inferior leads along with upright P waves in aVR. In this case, although P wave inversions are present in the inferior leads, the other electrocardiographic findings are absent, suggesting that it is unlikely to be a low atrial rhythm.20 As discussed previously, a differential diagnosis of dextrocardia can be eliminated due to normal R wave progression in the precordial leads.7, 15
Figure 8.12 lead ECG depicting dual-lead reversal. (A) ECG recording. (B) Arrows point to reversal of leads on right and left arms and legs.
The ECG of a dual-lead reversal can be identified by several findings. These findings are a result of a complete reversal of the Einthoven triangle.8 Firstly, inversion of P waves and QRS complexes can be seen in the three inferior leads (II, III and aVF). The reversal also leads to an upright QRS complex in aVR mimicking a false left-axis deviation. Lastly, low voltages are seen in the limb leads, but not in the precordial leads. One may rule out a left arm and left leg exclusive reversal through the absence of the Abdollah sign, and a right arm and right leg exclusive reversal through the absence of pseudoasystole in lead II.8, 21
Proper ECG recording facilitates appropriate interpretation and diagnosis. Electrode misplacements can lead to morphological changes on ECG that could potentially be interpreted as ischemic or arrhythmogenic in origin. Therefore, recognition of the patterns seen in improper lead positioning is essential to avoid incorrect diagnoses and unnecessary treatments.11, 22, 23
Electrode misplacements are a relatively frequent finding, present in 0.4% of ECGs done in outpatient clinics, and even more common at 4% in intensive care units.7 Several key findings on an ECG can help clinicians identify potential signs of electrode misplacements. In order to systematically identify these telltale clues, mnemonics to remember common errors and recognize their findings have been previously proposed. The REVERSE mnemonic is one such tool that outlines the most frequent abnormal findings on ECG (Table 1).7 Of note to our cases, three common limb lead reversals are identified in the mnemonic; (1) reversal of the left arm and right arm electrodes, (2) reversal of the right leg electrode with either of the arms, and (3) reversal of the left arm and left leg electrodes. The relevant abnormal findings on ECG have been previously explained in the results and are summarized in the table. The mnemonic also helps identify other common pitfalls in ECG recordings such as reversal of precordial leads and interference artifacts. With this mnemonic, a careful and systematic examination of ECGs will help rule out potential problems with the recording. Interestingly, although placement errors can mimic pathologies, pathologies exist that can also mimic placement errors.24 This further emphasizes the importance of careful interpretation of ECGs. Continued efforts to actively recognize lead reversals may help to avoid medical errors in diagnosis and treatment.
In conclusion, the ECG continues to be one of the most useful diagnostic tools in modern medicine. Health care providers initiate therapy based on the appropriate interpretation of ECGs. Systematic recognition of common ECG placement errors will help clinicians avoid unnecessary therapeutic interventions and enable them to obtain a properly recorded ECG.
None.
The Authors have no funding, financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Conception and design the work/idea: AR AB. Collect data/obtaining results: AR SK CS. Analysis and interpretation of data: AR SK CS AB. Write the manuscript: AR SK. Critical revision of the manuscript: AR SK AB. Approval of the final version: AB. Contribution of patients or study material: SK CS AB. Administrative or technical advice: CS.
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Allison V. Rosen, 1 Queen's University School of Medicine, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Sahil Koppikar, 2 Department of Internal Medicine, Kingston General Hospital, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Catherine Shaw, 3 Heart Rhythm Service, Kingston General Hospital, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Adrian Baranchuk, 3 Heart Rhythm Service, Kingston General Hospital, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
About the Author: Allison Rosen is currently in her third year of medical school at Queen's University, Kingston, Canada. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Queen's Medical Review and an active member of the Class Council.
Correspondence: Adrian Baranchuk, MD FACC FRCPC. Associate Professor of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Kingston General Hospital, Queen's University. Address: Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Kingston General Hospital K7L 2V7, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada. Email: barancha@kgh.kari.net
Cite as: Rosen AV, Koppikar S, Shaw C, Baranchuk A. Common ECG Lead Placement Errors. Part I: Limb lead Reversals. Int J Med Students. 2014 Jul-Oct;2(3):92-8.
Copyright © 2014 Allison V. Rosen, Sahil Koppikar, Catherine Shaw, Adrian Baranchuk
International Journal of Medical Students, VOLUME 2, NUMBER 3, October 2014