10p for an angiogram: the cardio-oesophageal reflex

BMJ Case Rep. 2010 Dec 1:2010:bcr0520091870. doi: 10.1136/bcr.05.2009.1870.

Abstract

A 57-year-old man presented at our institution with central chest pain. Serial ECGs showed dynamic T-wave changes, suggesting the possibility of unstable angina. Urgent coronary angiography revealed an unexpected finding of a radio-opaque lesion seen in the xiphisternal region during screening. Oesophogastroduodenoscopy confirmed this to be a 10p coin. The coin passed through the gastrointestinal tract without complications and the patient's symptoms and ECG changes resolved. This unusual case is a reminder that many diseases may electrocardiographically imitate an acute coronary syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Angina, Unstable / diagnosis*
  • Chest Pain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Chest Pain / etiology*
  • Coronary Angiography*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Endoscopy, Digestive System*
  • Esophagus*
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sternum*
  • Xiphoid Bone*