Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Misdiagnosed as an Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Korean Circ J. 2012 Mar;42(3):216-9. doi: 10.4070/kcj.2012.42.3.216. Epub 2012 Mar 26.

Abstract

Without significant coronary artery stenosis, ischemic electrocardiographic change including ST segment elevation, segmental wall motion abnormality and elevated serum cardiac-specific markers (creatine kinase-MB, Troponin-T) may develop after central nervous system injuries such as subarachnoid, intracranial or subdural hemorrhage. Misdiagnosing these patients as acute myocardial infarction may result in catastrophic outcomes. By reporting a case of a 55-year old female with subarachnoid hemorrhage mimicking acute ST elevation myocardial infarction, we hope to underline that careful attention of neurologic abnormality is critical in making better prognosis.

Keywords: Myocardial infarction; Subarachnoid hemorrhage.