Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots
Published on: May 21, 2017
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.
Abstract:
A 73-year-old male was brought into hospital with chest pain and inferior ST elevation on ECG. The patient immediately proceeded to the catheter lab for primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Angiography did not identify any culprit lesions to account for the patient's electrocardiographic changes and ongoing symptoms of chest pain. Bedside echocardiography revealed critical aortic stenosis. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was inserted, resulting in resolution of chest pain and ST-segment changes. The patient underwent successful aortic valve (AV) replacement without the need for coronary intervention. This is a rare presentation of critical aortic stenosis (AS) presenting as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Learning Points:
Aortic stenosis (AS) affects 2-9% of population above 65 years old and increases with age.AS induces ischaemia via abnormal cardiac coronary coupling.Focused clinical examination in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is vital prior to cardiac catheterisation.Detection of murmurs should be followed on by an echocardiography examination.Other differentials of STEMI include acute aortopathy, endocarditis with embolus, myopericarditis and intracranial haemorrhage.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

