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Pericarditis presenting and treated as an acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction

K J Smith1, M Theal, A Mulji

  • 1Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|July 27, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Early recognition of acute myocardial infarction improves survival. However, this case highlights the importance of considering pericarditis, not just infarction, before administering thrombolytic therapy to avoid potential complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Early recognition and treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are crucial for improving patient mortality.
  • Thrombolytic therapy is a common treatment for AMI, but requires ruling out contraindications and alternative diagnoses for ST segment elevation.

Observation:

  • A unique case of chest pain with marked ST segment elevation in anteroseptal leads is presented.
  • The patient received thrombolytic therapy based on initial electrocardiogram (ECG) findings.

Findings:

  • Subsequent investigations excluded myocardial infarction.
  • The diagnosis was confirmed as pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

Implications:

  • Physicians should consider pericarditis in the differential diagnosis of ST segment elevation, especially before initiating thrombolytic therapy.
  • Misdiagnosis and inappropriate thrombolytic use in pericarditis can lead to severe complications.

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