Acute ST segment elevation secondary to acute gastric distention

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3 Scopus citations

Abstract

An adolescent male trauma patient developed new asymptomatic ST segment elevations that mimicked a myocardial infarction on infero-lateral telemetry leads on hospital day #8, following burn excision and skin grafting. This was confirmed on 12 lead electrocardiogram. Laboratory test results indicated normal potassium. Troponins ×3 were negative. X-rays indicated marked gaseous gastric distention. A nasogastric tube was placed with evacuation of 400. mL of fluid and resolution of gastric distention. After gastric decompression, the ST segment elevations resolved. This case illustrates the need to consider acute gastric distention in the differential of acute ST segment elevation.<. Learning objective: Electrocardiographic ST segment elevation generally indicates myocardial infarction. However, in the asymptomatic patient with normal troponins, alternative explanations, such as gastric distention should be considered>.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)108-112
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Cardiology Cases
Volume8
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2013

Keywords

  • Electrocardiogram
  • Gastric distention
  • ST elevation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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