Unusual electrocardiographic manifestations in acute isolated right ventricular infarction

Abstract

Electrocardiographic (ECG) manifestation of ST-segment elevation in the precordial leads during acute myocardial infarction is usually due to anterior myocardial infarction secondary to occlusion of the left coronary artery. Herein, we reported a rare case of isolated right ventricular infarction (RVI) in which the ECG mimicked that of acute anterior left ventricular infarction (LVI). A 64-year-old man had acute isolated RVI documented by positive cardiac enzymes and echocardiographic and angiographic findings. He developed hypotension. His ECG showed ST-segment elevation in the precordial leads V1 to V3 simulating that of acute anterior wall infarction. Coronary angiogram revealed total occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery with well-established collaterals from the left coronary artery to the posterior descending artery. This case report reminds us that the presence of diffuse ST-segment elevation in the precordial leads could be due to acute isolated RVI rather than acute anterior LVI. The differentiation of these two entities is important, as their therapies are quite different.