Hypercalcemia causes shortening of the QT interval, particularly the ST segment. This can cause a pseudoOMI pattern as the beginning of the T wave may be mistaken for ST elevation when the ST segment becomes very short. Note, however, that the J point is unaffected. The quickest clue to the fact that it is hypercalcemia and not an OMI is the short QTc as ischemia tends to produce a prolonged QTc. Severe hypercalcemia can also cause Osborn waves. Patients with severe hypercalcemia have higher risk for ventricular arrhythmias.Â
Significant ST shortening. V2 may be mistaken for having ST elevation, though that is just the T wave up against the QRS complex.
Osborn Waves
Examples: