ST-segment elevation in V1-V4 in acute pulmonary embolism: a case presentation and review of literature

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities are seen in 70%-80% of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Rarely, APE presents with ST-segment elevation (STE) in leads V1-V4, mimicking ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Herein, we describe a case of APE presenting with STE in V1-V3, along with a comprehensive review of the literature. METHODS: We reviewed Pubmed/Medline indexed articles from 1950 to 2014 reporting cases of APE presenting with STE in V1-V3 or V4 (V1-V3/V4). Cases were analyzed with specific reference to patient demographics, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 12 cases were identified comprising seven males and five females aged between 31 and 64 years. Five cases met the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association criteria for massive APE due to sustained hemodynamic instability or requirement for inotropic support, and seven met criteria for submassive PE due to right ventricular (RV) dysfunction or elevated troponin in absence of systemic hypotension. Among the notable clinical features in this cohort is the high incidence of syncope, in 66.7% of the cases, high incidence of concomitant deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in 90% of cases that reported venous Doppler results (eight proximal and one distal DVT), and the presence of a dilated RV in 90% of the cases that reported echocardiographic results. In all but one case the initial working diagnosis was STEMI and emergent cardiac catheterization was planned. In the 90% of cases who eventually had a coronary angiography, the angiogram was performed prior to diagnosing APE, and the lack of occlusive disease prompted further workup that confirmed the diagnosis of APE. In-hospital mortality rate in the studied population was 16.7%. CONCLUSION: STE in leads V1-V3/V4 in cases with APE identifies a subset of patients who are an intermediate to high risk category. In cases presenting with right precordial lead STE and clinical features that are more suggestive of APE rather than STEMI, a computed tomography pulmonary angiogram is warranted for earlier diagnosis of suspected APE, which allow for immediate-rather than delayed-initiation of therapeutic anticoagulant therapy if the diagnosis is confirmed and may avert the need for coronary angiography.