Critical aortic stenosis presenting as STEMI

Ying X Gue1, Sanjay S Bhandari2, Damian J Kelly2

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Derby, UK y.gue@nhs.net.

Insights

Critical aortic stenosis (AS) can rarely present as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Prompt echocardiography is vital for diagnosing AS in STEMI patients, guiding appropriate treatment like aortic valve replacement.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common valvular heart disease in the elderly, affecting 2-9% of individuals over 65.
  • AS can lead to myocardial ischemia through abnormal cardiac-coronary coupling, mimicking acute coronary syndromes.
  • ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) typically indicates occlusive coronary artery disease requiring urgent intervention.

Observation:

  • A 73-year-old male presented with chest pain and inferior ST elevation on ECG, suggestive of STEMI.
  • Coronary angiography revealed no obstructive lesions to explain the ECG changes and symptoms.
  • Bedside echocardiography identified critical aortic stenosis as the underlying cause.

Findings:

  • The patient's symptoms and ECG changes resolved following intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) insertion.
  • Successful aortic valve (AV) replacement was performed, obviating the need for coronary intervention.
  • This case highlights a rare presentation of critical AS mimicking STEMI.

Implications:

  • A focused clinical examination, including auscultation for murmurs, is crucial in STEMI patients before invasive procedures.
  • Echocardiography should be considered in STEMI cases without clear coronary culprits to rule out alternative diagnoses like AS.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management of AS can prevent unnecessary coronary interventions and improve patient outcomes.

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