Osteomyelitis of the Cervical Spine Presenting as Acute ST-Segment Elevation
Charles Meadows1, Ameer Quadri1, Rodrigo Aguilar1
1Internal Medicine, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, USA.
Cureus
|February 21, 2022
Summary
Acute ST-segment elevation (STE) on EKG usually indicates myocardial infarction. However, this case highlights osteomyelitis of the cervical vertebrae as a rare cause of STE, necessitating broader differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Acute ST-segment elevation (STE) on electrocardiogram (EKG) is a critical indicator, often signifying acute myocardial infarction requiring immediate intervention.
- While myocardial infarction is the most common cause, various cardiac and noncardiac conditions can also present with acute STE.
Observation:
- A unique case involving a patient presenting with acute inferior and lateral STE on EKG was observed.
- The patient's symptoms were ultimately attributed to an unusual etiology rather than a typical cardiac event.
Findings:
- Diagnostic workup revealed that the acute STE was caused by osteomyelitis and abscess of the lower cervical vertebrae.
- This finding represents a rare noncardiac cause of electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering noncardiac etiologies in the differential diagnosis of acute STE.
- Recognizing osteomyelitis as a potential cause of STE can prevent diagnostic delays and guide appropriate treatment strategies for both the infection and the cardiac manifestation.
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