What should be done in the event of simultaneous massive pulmonary embolism and myocardial infarction with ST elevation?

Abstract

Massive pulmonary embolism (MPE) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are life-threatening conditions with well-known diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms and findings such as dyspnea, chest pain, hypotension, ECG changes and elevation of cardiac enzymes are seen in both diseases. However, MPE and AMI are rarely simultaneous in a single case. This report presents an 85-year-old patient with simultaneous MPE and AMI with ST elevation. While treatment strategies for both MPE and AMI have been adequately described, it is not clear which treatment to choose when both emergency pathologies occur simultaneously in one patient. This case report discusses the treatment of these two diseases in such a case.

Keywords

• pulmonary embolism
• myocardial infarction
• thrombolytic treatment