An unusual cause of ST elevation: Coronary vasospasm complicating acute myocarditis - A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Coronary vasospasm and myocarditis are both recognized mimics of ST elevation myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries. The occurrence of both pathologies in the same patient has rarely been described. We report a case of a 27-year-old man initially presenting with history and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings consistent with acute myocarditis who subsequently developed severe chest pain and new ST elevation, mimicking a myocardial infarction. Subsequent coronary angiography was normal, indicative of coronary vasospasm being the cause of ECG changes and symptoms. Previous case reports with a similar presentation are reviewed and potential mechanisms causing this association discussed.

Keywords

• Myocardial infarction with nonobstructed coronary arteries
• myocarditis
• pericarditis
• vasospasm