Rare Case of Acute Pancreatitis Presenting With ST-Segment Elevation
Kristy Leker1, Parampreet Johal2
1Eisenhower Medical Center, Rancho Mirage, CA, USA.
Summary
ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram (EKG) can mimic acute coronary syndrome. This case shows elevated EKG findings were caused by acute pancreatitis, not a heart attack, emphasizing comprehensive patient evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram (EKG) typically raises concern for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
- However, other conditions can present with ST-segment elevation, necessitating a broad differential diagnosis.
- Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of ST-segment elevation mimicking ACS due to acute pancreatitis.
- To highlight the importance of considering non-cardiac causes for EKG abnormalities.
- To emphasize the role of comprehensive clinical assessment in diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 62-year-old male with relevant medical history.
- Initial evaluation included EKG, clinical assessment, echocardiogram, and troponin levels.
- Further investigations included lipase levels and CT scan of the abdomen.
Main Results:
- Patient presented with abdominal pain and EKG showing ST-segment elevation.
- Clinical presentation, echocardiogram, and troponin levels were not suggestive of myocardial infarction.
- Elevated lipase and CT findings confirmed acute pancreatitis.
Conclusions:
- Acute pancreatitis can present with ST-segment elevation, mimicking cardiac ischemia.
- A thorough clinical history and targeted investigations are essential to differentiate causes of ST-segment elevation.
- This case underscores the importance of a holistic approach in diagnosing complex presentations.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
180
Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
180
01:27Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
494
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
494
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
80
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
80
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
47
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
47
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
25
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
25
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
166
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
166