An Unusual Presentation of a Left Anterior Descending Artery Obstruction, A Deadly Disease
Osvaldo E Duran-Melendez1, Frank Zorrilla-Caballero2, Juan Gonzalez-Sanchez3
1PGY 3 resident at University of Puerto Rico Emergency Medicine Residency.
Insights
Continuous ST segment monitoring (C-STM) in the emergency department (ED) can detect subtle ischemic changes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. This case shows C-STM
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosis can be challenging with non-diagnostic initial ECGs.
- Continuous ST segment monitoring (C-STM) offers a potential tool for detecting transient ischemic changes.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old male with diabetes and hypertension presented with resolved chest pain.
- Initial electrocardiogram (ECG) was non-diagnostic for acute coronary syndrome.
Findings:
- C-STM identified transient hyperacute T waves and mild ST elevations.
- These findings prompted further investigation, leading to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for a critical left anterior descending artery lesion.
Implications:
- C-STM may be valuable for identifying ACS in emergency department settings.
- This case highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and timely intervention for atypical ACS presentations.
- Further research is needed to determine which ACS patients benefit most from C-STM.
Abstract:
This case report highlights the potential of continuous ST segment monitoring (C-STM) in the emergency department (ED) for identifying transient ischemic changes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We present a case of a 62-year-old male with type 2 diabetes and hypertension who presented with chest pain, that resolved prior to arrival. Despite an initially non-diagnostic ECG, C-STM detected transient hyperacute T waves and mild ST elevations, prompting further investigation, and ultimately leading to successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for a critical left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery lesion. Our case emphasizes the importance of high clinical suspicion, continuous monitoring, and timely intervention in patients with ACS, even when initial presentations are atypical. It also raises the question of which ACS patients benefit from C-STM.
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