[Pulmonary embolism and anterior septal ischemia on the electrocardiogram: diagnostic trap. Two case reports]

The authors reports two cases of pulmonary embolism which have, on ECG, an anteroseptal subepicardial ischemia which could indicate a coronary origin. The value and role of electrocardiographic findings in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism are analysed. Once the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism has been established, the rest-ECG could allow the massive forms to be distinguished from the non-massive ones. The anteroseptal subepicardial ischemia pattern in the precordial leads is the most frequent sign of pulmonary embolism. This parameter is easy to obtain and reflects the severity of pulmonary embolism.