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Reversible ST-segment elevation associated with atelectasis of the left lung
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Southern Medical Journal
|October 13, 2005
Summary
Acute lung collapse can cause reversible ST-segment elevation in critically ill patients. This finding suggests adding atelectasis to the differential diagnosis for ST elevation in these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Critically ill patients often present with complex conditions requiring multidisciplinary evaluation.
- ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram (ECG) typically indicates acute myocardial infarction, but can be mimicked by noncardiac conditions.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old male with cerebral palsy and respiratory failure experienced acute, reversible ST-segment elevation in the inferior ECG leads.
- This ECG abnormality coincided with acute collapse of the left lung.
Findings:
- The ST-segment elevation resolved completely following re-expansion of the collapsed left lung.
- This case demonstrates a direct correlation between severe atelectasis and transient ST-segment elevation.
Implications:
- Major lung atelectasis should be considered a potential cause of ST-segment elevation in critically ill patients.
- This expands the differential diagnosis for ST elevation beyond acute coronary syndromes in this vulnerable population.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the precise mechanisms linking pulmonary atelectasis to ECG changes.