[Differential diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction caused by electrocution]

Electrical injury can affect many organ systems, it seems that the damage results from the conversion of electrical energy into heat. Electrical injuries to the heart are far less frequent and thus, less known. Additionally, it is very difficult to interpret electrocardiographic and enzymatic changes, which are, in other situations, diagnostic of a myocardial infarction. We report two cases of young men without coronary risk factors. They present a rise in enzyme levels and electrocardiographic changes suggestive of acute myocardial infarction after alternating current electrocution. The difficulties in evaluating the myocardial damage in these situations are also discussed. We recommend ECG monitoring and long-term cardiac evaluation of these patients.