Acute pulmonary embolism with electrocardiogram showing subtotal left main coronary artery occlusion: A case report

Abstract

When the electrocardiogram of acute pulmonary embolism is similar to that of acute myocardial infarction, it is difficult to distinguish between the two diseases quickly and effectively. We present the case of a 50-year-old man with acute pulmonary embolism. His electrocardiogram showed subtotal occlusion of the left main coronary artery with ST segment depression in I, II, aVF, V3 to V6, ST segment elevation in aVR, V1 and S1Q3T3. Invasive coronary angiography did not show coronary artery stenosis, then pulmonary angiography was performed quickly which showed massive bilateral acute pulmonary embolism. Electrocardiogram cannot effectively distinguish acute pulmonary embolism from subtotal occlusion of the left main coronary artery. For patients with hemodynamic instability, if ultrasound cannot be performed in time, the combination of invasive coronary angiography and pulmonary angiography can be an option to distinguish acute pulmonary embolism from subtotal occlusion of the left main coronary artery and to treat.

Keywords

• Acute pulmonary embolism
• Subtotal occlusion of the left main coronary artery
• Invasive coronary angiography
• Pulmonary angiography
• Electrocardiogram