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A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
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An unexpected acute coronary syndrome

W G van Hougenhouck-Tulleken1, V Ueckermann1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa.

The Southern African Journal of Critical Care : the Official Journal of the Critical Care Society
|June 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Hypocalcaemia can rarely cause acute coronary syndromes due to coronary artery vasospasm. Prompt intravenous calcium administration reversed this ST-elevation myocardial infarction, preventing long-term cardiac damage.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) from coronary artery vasospasm are rare and challenging to diagnose.
  • Hypocalcaemia is a frequent clinical issue, typically asymptomatic but capable of causing severe acute symptoms.

Observation:

  • We report a case of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) triggered by hypocalcaemia-induced coronary artery vasospasm.
  • The patient's condition rapidly improved with intravenous calcium, with no residual cardiac effects.

Findings:

  • Hypocalcaemia-induced coronary artery vasospasm can precipitate acute myocardial infarction.
  • Intravenous calcium effectively resolves this vasospasm and restores myocardial perfusion.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare but reversible cause of ACS.
  • Early recognition and treatment of hypocalcaemia are crucial in managing such cardiac events.
  • Understanding the pathophysiology may aid in managing similar vasospastic emergencies.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute coronary syndromebridging myocardiumchronic kidney diseasehypocalcaemiapancreatitis

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