What lies beneath: Posterior ST elevation myocardial infarction with underlying right ventricular-paced rhythm
Alyssa Camille Browning1, Saul Schaefer
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA.
Insights
This case report highlights diagnosing myocardial infarction in patients with pacemakers. Prompt electrocardiogram review is crucial for detecting acute coronary syndrome in paced rhythms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- A 66-year-old male with significant comorbidities including coronary artery disease, stage V chronic kidney disease, and peripheral arterial disease presented with chest and shoulder discomfort.
- The patient had a history of a dual-chamber pacemaker and recently discontinued clopidogrel due to upcoming vascular surgery.
Observation:
- The patient experienced persistent discomfort following hemodialysis.
- Electrocardiography showed a right ventricular-paced rhythm with ST abnormalities suggestive of posterior ST elevation myocardial infarction.
Findings:
- Urgent cardiac catheterization revealed an acutely occluded coronary artery requiring percutaneous coronary intervention.
- Characteristic electrocardiographic abnormalities can predict acute myocardial infarction in patients with ventricular-paced rhythms.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical need for meticulous electrocardiogram interpretation in patients presenting with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, especially those with ventricular-paced rhythms.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention are vital for managing myocardial infarction in this complex patient population.
Abstract:
A 66-year-old man with a history of coronary artery disease, stage V chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease and a dual-chamber pacemaker experienced persistent chest and shoulder discomfort following his daily hemodialysis treatment. Treatment with clopidogrel had been discontinued three days previously due to impending vascular surgery. Electrocardiography revealed a right ventricular-paced rhythm with ST abnormalities indicative of posterior ST elevation myocardial infarction. The patient underwent urgent cardiac catheterization and required percutaneous coronary intervention for an acutely occluded coronary artery. The present case report emphasizes the importance of careful and timely review of the electrocardiogram of any patient with a ventricular-paced rhythm who experiences signs and symptoms consistent with acute coronary syndrome. Certain characteristic electrocardiographic abnormalities have been demonstrated to predict acute myocardial infarction in such patients.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction


