Electrocardiogram evolution of acute anterior ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction following pericarditis

Abstract

Abstract Electrocardiogram is a powerful tool for differentiating acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and pericarditis. However, an unusual ECG presentation of the simultaneous occurrence of the two conditions has not been reported previously. In this article, we report a case of ECG evolution of acute anterior STEMI following pericarditis with pericardial effusion (PE) and find that QRS complex widening in ECG lead with maximal ST‐segment elevation is also applicable for identifying STEMI even in patients with prior pericarditis. Undoubtedly, our case can help prevent emergency physicians from making incorrect diagnoses and administering inappropriate treatments.

Keywords

• ECG evolution
• pericarditis
• ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction