Pulmonary embolism mimicking acute myocardial infarction

Tex Med. 1999 May;95(5):67-8.

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism is a major cause of death in the United States. A high index of suspicion is required to achieve an accurate diagnosis. We report a case of a patient with syncope, ischemic electrocardiographic changes, and an elevated troponin I level, presenting just like acute myocardial infarction. The case highlights the value of an early use of 2-dimensional echocardiography in obtaining an accurate diagnosis, thus avoiding unnecessary and inappropriate treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnosis*
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / epidemiology
  • United States / epidemiology