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Small Bowel Obstruction Masquerading as Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Manan Parikh1, Martin Miguel Amor1, Isha Verma1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Monmouth Medical Center, 300 2nd Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740, USA.
Case Reports in Cardiology
|November 21, 2015
Summary
ST segment elevation on electrocardiograms (EKG) can mimic heart attacks. This case highlights how small bowel obstruction can cause reversible EKG changes, emphasizing the need to consider non-cardiac causes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- ST segment elevation on electrocardiograms (EKG) is a critical indicator of acute myocardial infarction (MI).
- Prompt intervention is crucial for MI, but other conditions causing ST elevation may be overlooked.
- Unaddressed conditions mimicking MI can lead to severe complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of ST segment elevation on EKG caused by small bowel obstruction.
- To illustrate a reversible cause of ST elevation unrelated to coronary artery disease.
- To highlight the importance of considering non-cardiac etiologies for EKG abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an 86-year-old male.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) analysis.
- Clinical assessment for small bowel obstruction.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with EKG findings of ST segment elevation.
- No critical coronary obstruction was identified.
- ST segment elevation resolved upon improvement of the small bowel obstruction.
Conclusions:
- Small bowel obstruction can present with ST segment elevation on EKG.
- These EKG changes can be reversible and are not always indicative of acute myocardial infarction.
- Broadening the differential diagnosis for ST elevation is essential.
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