A potential diagnostic pitfall in ST elevation: Acute pulmonary embolism or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol. 2022 May;27(3):e12928. doi: 10.1111/anec.12928. Epub 2021 Dec 3.

Abstract

The diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a great challenge for physicians due to its nonspecific symptoms, and often missed or misdiagnosed as acute coronary syndrome. Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities are seen in majority of patients with APE. Recently, APE with ST-segment elevation (STE) in leads V1 -V3 /V4 , mimicking ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), has been described. However, coronary angiography showed that the patient's coronary arteries were mostly normal. Herein, we describe a case of APE presenting with STE in V1 -V4 , along with severe stenosis of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery.

Keywords: ST-segment elevation; electrocardiogram; myocardial infarction; pulmonary embolism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / diagnostic imaging
  • ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction* / diagnostic imaging