Elevated troponin I levels in diabetic ketoacidosis without obstructive coronary artery disease

Abstract

Elevated troponin levels have been observed in a wide spectrum of patients who do not have ischemic heart disease, including nonacute coronary syndrome and cardiovascular and noncardiovascular conditions. The cases of two patients with diabetic ketoacidosis who had elevated troponin levels in the absence of coronary artery disease are presented. This clinical scenario can pose a diagnostic dilemma for the physician. The objective of the present report is to highlight the mechanism of troponin elevation in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, in addition to the clinical and prognostic significance of this finding.