Electrocardiographic alterations after neurosurgical procedures

Abstract

The electrocardiographic alterations are reported in 37 patients who underwent various neurosurgical procedures. Striking changes were observed, the chief of which consisted of alterations in the T wave, prolongation of the Q-T interval, and increase in the amplitude of the U wave. Various considerations are discussed in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of these findings. No significant alteration was noted in the serum electrolytes during the postoperative period. It is difficult to conceive that the electrocardiographic changes represent primary myocardial changes, because the great majority of patients were without clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease and had an aver-age age of 38.7 years. The electrocardiographic changes are most readily explained as being secondary to alterations in cerebral function after the various neurosurgical procedures.