Minimal pneumothorax with dynamic changes in ST segment similar to myocardial infarction
Seok-Ran Yeom1, Sung-Wook Park1, Young-Dae Kim2
1Pusan National University Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, 179, Gudeok-ro, Seo-gu, Busan 602-739, South Korea.
Abstract:
Pneumothorax can cause a variety of electrocardiographic changes. ST segment elevation, which is mainly observed in myocardial infarction, can also be induced by pneumothorax. The mechanism is presumed to be a decrease in cardiac output, due to increased intra-thoracic pressure. We encountered a patient with ST segment elevation with minimal pneumothorax. Coronary angiography with ergonovine provocation test and echocardiogram had normal findings. The ST segment elevation was normalized by decreasing the amount of pneumothorax. We reviewed the literature and present possible mechanisms for this condition.
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