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A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

Severe hypocalcemia simulating ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Erkki Ilveskoski1, Samuel Sclarovsky, Kjell Nikus

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Tampere University Hospital Heart Center, PO Box 2000, FI-33521 Tampere, Finland. erkki.ilveskoski@uta.fi

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|December 7, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Severe hypocalcemia mimicking ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was observed in a patient with vitamin D deficiency. Prompt calcium replacement normalized ECG findings, highlighting a rare cause of STEMI-like presentation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires urgent reperfusion therapy.
  • Diagnosis relies on electrocardiogram (ECG) showing ST-segment elevation, typically due to coronary artery occlusion.
  • Mimicking ECG changes can arise from non-coronary causes.

Observation:

  • A 65-year-old male presented with ECG abnormalities suggestive of STEMI.
  • Coronary angiography revealed patent coronary arteries, ruling out acute occlusion.
  • Laboratory investigations identified severe hypocalcemia linked to vitamin D deficiency.

Findings:

  • ECG changes normalized following intravenous calcium replacement therapy.
  • The patient recovered fully and was discharged in stable condition.
  • This case adds to the limited reports of hypocalcemia-induced ST-segment elevation.

Implications:

  • Hypocalcemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of STEMI-like ECG presentations.
  • Vitamin D deficiency-related hypocalcemia can present with critical cardiac manifestations.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of ECG changes in hypocalcemia.

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