Posterior wall myocardial infarction: A case report

Abstract

Introduction. Acute myocardial infarction is a clinical manifestation of coronary disease which occurs when a blood vessel is narrowed or occluded in such a way that it leads to irreversible myocardial ischemia. ST segment depression in leads V1?V3 on the electrocardiogram points to the anterior wall ischemia, although it is actually ST elevation with posterior wall myocardial infarction. In the absence of clear ST segment elevation, it may be overlooked, leading to different therapeutic algorithms which could significantly affect the outcome. Case report. A 77 year-old female patient was admitted to the Coronary Care Unit due to prolonged chest pain followed by nausea and horizontal ST segment depression on the electrocardiogram in V1?V3 up to 3 mm. ST segment elevation myocardial infarction of the posterior wall was diagnosed, associated with the development of initial cardiogenic shock and ischemic mitral regurgitation. An emergency coronarography was performed as well as primary percutaneous coronary intervention with stent placement in the circumflex artery, the infarct-related artery. Due to a multi-vessel disease, surgical myocardial revascularization was indicated. Conclusion. Posterior wall transmural myocardial infarction is the most common misdiagnosis in the 12 lead electrocardiogram reading. Routine use of additional posterior (lateral) leads in all patients with chest pain has no diagnostic or therapeutic benefits, but it is indicated when posterior or lateral wall infarction is suspected. The use of posterior leads increases the number of diagnosed ST segment elevation myocardial infarctions contributing to better risk assessment, prognosis and survival due to reperfusion therapy.