An unusual presentation of pulmonary embolism

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Aug 8:2012:bcr2012006210. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006210.

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cardiovascular emergency, by which occlusion of a part of the pulmonary arterial bed may lead to acute life threatening but potentially reversible right ventricular failure. Early diagnosis is fundamental to implement immediate effective treatment to reduce mortality. However, the diagnosis can be easily missed due to non-specific clinical presentation. We wish to present an unusual case whereby a patient with no risk factors for PE, symptoms suggestive of acute pericarditis and an ECG showing concave ST segment elevation was found to have multiple pulmonary emboli.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Chest Pain / diagnosis
  • Chest Pain / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medical History Taking
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericarditis / diagnosis*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / diagnosis*
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Warfarin