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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

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Misdiagnosed as an Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Woon Je Heo1, Jin Ho Kang, Woo Shin Jeong

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.

Korean Circulation Journal
|April 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Central nervous system injuries can mimic acute myocardial infarction, causing dangerous misdiagnoses. Prompt recognition of neurologic abnormalities is crucial for accurate diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Central nervous system (CNS) injuries, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, can trigger cardiac manifestations.
  • These cardiac changes, such as ST elevation and elevated cardiac biomarkers, can resemble acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
  • Misdiagnosis of CNS-induced cardiac events as AMI can lead to inappropriate treatments and adverse outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage mimicking acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
  • To highlight the importance of distinguishing between primary cardiac events and CNS-induced cardiac changes.
  • To emphasize the critical role of neurologic assessment in managing patients with suspected myocardial infarction.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 55-year-old female patient.
  • Clinical presentation with symptoms mimicking acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
  • Diagnostic workup including neurological and cardiac evaluations.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with electrocardiographic changes and elevated cardiac markers consistent with myocardial infarction.
  • Coronary angiography revealed no significant coronary artery stenosis.
  • The underlying cause was identified as subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Conclusions:

  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage can present with cardiac findings that mimic acute myocardial infarction.
  • Accurate diagnosis requires careful consideration of neurologic status alongside cardiac markers.
  • Timely identification of neurologic abnormalities is essential for appropriate management and improved prognosis.

Keywords:
Myocardial infarctionSubarachnoid hemorrhage

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