Right ventricular infarction mimicking extensive anterior infarction

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical diagnostics

Background:

• Inferior myocardial infarction often involves the right ventricle.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes can be complex and sometimes misleading.

Observation:

• Two patients presented with ECG changes mimicking anterior infarction.
• These changes included ST-segment elevation, loss of R waves, and QS complexes in anterior leads.

Findings:

• Cardiac catheterization revealed right coronary artery occlusion in both patients.
• Radionuclide angiocardiography showed dilated, poorly contracting right ventricles.
• The anterior ECG changes were attributed solely to right ventricular injury.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider right ventricular infarction in cases of inferior infarction with atypical anterior ECG findings.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and treatment of myocardial infarction.