DOI: 10.12890/2024_004713

The great mimicker: a unique case of diffuse subarachnoid haemorrhage simulating acute myocardial infarction

Authors

  • Mina Gerges Internal Medicine, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson, USA
  • Lefika Bathobakae Internal Medicine, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson, USA
  • Anas Mahmoud Internal Medicine, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson, USA
  • Remon Saad Internal Medicine, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson, USA
  • Sherif Elkattawy Cardiology Division, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson, USA
  • Fayez Shamoon Cardiology Division, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson, USA
  • Mourad Ismail Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson, USA

mgerges2207@gmail.com

Keywords

Subarachnoid haemorrhage, acute myocardial infarction, neurogenic stunned myocardium, electrocardiogram, ST-segment depression

Abstract

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a rare yet consequential medical emergency that may mimic an acute myocardial infarction (MI). SAH causes enhanced sympathetic activity, culminating in the development of neurogenic stunned myocardium (NSM), which presents as ST-segment deviations, prolonged QT intervals, T-wave inversions or Q-waves. Reperfusion therapy is contraindicated for SAH because of an increased risk of bleeding and death. Therefore, a prompt diagnosis is crucial. Here, we report a unique case of massive SAH presenting as diffuse ST-segment deviation simulating an acute MI. Our patient was brought to the emergency department after a cardiac arrest and died on day 2 of admission.

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Published

2024-07-04

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 8 (2024)

Categories

How to Cite

1.
Gerges M, Bathobakae L, Mahmoud A, Saad R, Elkattawy S, Shamoon F, et al. The great mimicker: a unique case of diffuse subarachnoid haemorrhage simulating acute myocardial infarction. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2024 Jul. 4 [cited 2026 Nov. 5];11(8). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/4713

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