Diffuse ST-elevation following J-wave presentation as an uncommon electrocardiogram pattern of Tako-Tsubo
Francesco Santoro1, Riccardo Ieva, Armando Ferraretti
1Department of Cardiology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
Insights
Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) can present with unusual ECG findings, including J-waves and diffuse ST-elevation. This case highlights a rare presentation of TTC, aiding in diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) mimics acute myocardial infarction with distinct ECG changes, elevated cardiac markers, and apical left ventricular dysfunction.
- Typical ECG findings include anterior ST-elevation, QT prolongation, and T-wave inversion.
Observation:
- An 82-year-old woman presented with dyspnea and chest pain, initially attributed to COPD exacerbation.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed an uncommon pattern: J-waves in inferior leads followed by diffuse ST-elevation.
Findings:
- The patient's ECG and echocardiographic abnormalities showed gradual recovery with conservative management, including diuretics.
- This case demonstrates an unusual ECG presentation of TTC.
Implications:
- Diffuse ST-elevation following J-waves should be considered a potential diagnostic pattern for Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy.
- Recognizing rare ECG manifestations is crucial for accurate TTC diagnosis and timely treatment.
Background:
Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is characterized by symptoms, ECG changes with elevated cardiac markers mimicking acute myocardial infarction, left ventricular (LV) wall motion abnormalities in the apical region with preserved function of base, and normal coronary arteries. Usual ECG anomalies heralding TTC are ST-elevation in anterior leads, QT prolongation and negative T-waves.
Methods:
We report the unusual case of TTC with an uncommon ECG presentation: J wave in inferior leads followed by diffuse ST-elevation.
Results:
An 82-year-old woman was admitted for dyspnea and chest pain following exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ECG showed J-wave in inferior leads followed by diffuse ST-elevation. The patient was monitored in intensive care unit and treated with diuretics. Both ECG and echocardiography anomalies gradually recovered.
Conclusions:
Diffuse ST-elevation following J-waves may be considered as a possible ECG pattern of presentation in case of TTC.
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