Acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction in a patient with dextrocardia

J Electrocardiol. 2009 May-Jun;42(3):254-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2008.11.004. Epub 2008 Dec 19.

Abstract

Dextrocardia with situs inversus is an uncommon congenital condition in which the major visceral organs are reversed. The clinical diagnosis and electrocardiographic localization of myocardial infarctions in these patients remain a great challenge. We report a case of a 64-year-old man known with dextrocardia and situs inversus totalis presenting with acute chest pain irradiating to the right arm. The admission and reversed "normalized" electrocardiogram are presented, allowing for correct diagnosis of an acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction. The present case emphasizes the importance of performing a reversed electrocardiogram in patients with dextrocardia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Dextrocardia / complications*
  • Dextrocardia / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography / methods*
  • Heart Septal Defects / complications*
  • Heart Septal Defects / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / complications*
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnosis*