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Herniated thoracic discs mimic cardiac disease: three case reports
M A Eleraky1, P J Apostolides, C A Dickman
1Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Mercy Healthcare Arizona, Phoenix, USA.
Insights
Herniated thoracic discs can mimic cardiac symptoms like chest pain. Prompt diagnosis with imaging and minimally invasive surgery led to complete recovery for three patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Thoracic disc herniations are rare and can present with atypical symptoms.
- Symptoms may include severe chest pain, potentially misdiagnosed as cardiac conditions such as angina.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease, including intense stabbing chest pain radiating from the back.
- Initial cardiac evaluations for these patients were negative, prompting further investigation.
Findings:
- Advanced imaging, specifically magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography myelography, successfully identified herniated thoracic discs as the cause of symptoms.
- All three patients underwent successful video-assisted endoscopic thoracic discectomy.
Implications:
- This case series highlights the importance of considering non-cardiac causes for chest pain.
- Minimally invasive thoracic discectomy is an effective treatment for herniated thoracic discs causing referred pain.
- Early and accurate diagnosis through appropriate imaging is crucial for successful patient outcomes.
Abstract:
The authors report three patients (two males and one female) with herniated thoracic discs whose symptoms mimicked cardiac disease (severe intense stabbing pain beginning in the back and radiating to the lateral wall of the chest). They were evaluated for cardiac disease and angina, but the workup of the heart was negative. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography myelography revealed the herniated thoracic discs. All patients underwent video-assisted endoscopic thoracic discectomy and recovered completely.