JACC: Case Reports (Apr 2020)

Gastrointestinal Distention Masquerading as ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

  • James Zhang, MD,
  • Hussain Basrawala, MD,
  • Sumit Patel, MD,
  • Hartaj Girn, MD,
  • Vaughn Eyvazian, MD,
  • Lan Wang, MD,
  • Enrique Ostrzega, MD

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 4
pp. 604 – 610

Abstract

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ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most serious manifestation of acute coronary syndrome. A variety of noncardiac conditions can mimic STEMI on electrocardiography (ECG). We describe a case of gastrointestinal distention and ileus masquerading as STEMI on ECG and posits a mechanism for this effect. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

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