Silent ST segment elevation myocardial infarction with multi-segmental renal infarction: an unusual presentation
Hung-Yu Chang1, Yung-Nien Yang
1Division of Cardiology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taiwan.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|April 7, 2011
Summary
A diabetic man experienced flank pain due to kidney infarction. Doctors discovered silent myocardial infarction, likely caused by a clot in the heart, highlighting the need for prompt cardiac care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Radiology
Background:
- A 36-year-old diabetic male presented with acute left flank pain.
- Abdominal computed tomography revealed left renal embolic infarction.
Observation:
- Electrocardiogram showed silent ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
- Coronary angiography identified significant thrombus burden and left anterior descending artery ostial occlusion.
Findings:
- The patient had an unusual presentation of silent ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with acute flank pain and multiple renal infarctions.
- The left anterior descending artery ostial occlusion was suspected as the embolic source.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering cardiac events in patients with unexplained renal infarction.
- Prompt recognition and management of myocardial infarction, even when silent, are crucial to avoid delays during the critical "golden hour" for treatment.
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