A right ventricular infarction disguised as an anterior infarction due to an occluded isolated right ventricular

Mark Coosemans1, Ruud Koevoets, Tom Vydt

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium.

Acta Cardiologica
|November 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Abrupt stenting closure of a right coronary artery branch caused unexpected ST-elevations, mimicking left coronary artery issues. This rare case highlights specific electrocardiographic patterns of isolated right ventricular infarction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) carries risks, including acute vessel closure.
  • Right ventricular infarction can present with atypical electrocardiographic findings.

Observation:

  • A case of abrupt closure of the right ventricular branch of the right coronary artery following stenting is presented.
  • This event led to significant ST-elevations in precordial leads, initially suggesting left coronary artery pathology.

Findings:

  • The observed ST-elevations were attributed to the right ventricular branch occlusion, not left coronary artery disease.
  • The study details the characteristic electrocardiographic features of isolated right ventricular infarction.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of coronary artery stenting complications.
  • Recognizing these specific ECG patterns is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely management of right ventricular infarction.

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