Acute Pulmonary Embolism Presenting With Angina and a Positive Cardiac Stress Test

Abstract

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a commonly missed clinical entity. Prompt diagnosis of PE and the initiation of anticoagulation therapy is vital for the reduction of patient mortality. Recognizing initial electrocardiogram manifestations can aid rapid diagnosis and prompt management. The most common EKG findings associated with PE are sinus tachycardia, S1Q3T3 pattern, presence of T wave inversions in V1-V3 associated with the presence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, and right bundle branch block. These findings, while specific, are modestly sensitive and not always present. The gold standard of diagnosis is computerized tomographic angiography and ventilation and perfusion (V/Q). Here we present a patient who presented with symptoms mimicking angina with EKG changes in his stress test, prompting coronary angiography, which showed obstructive coronary artery disease requiring revascularization. Subsequently, further evaluation revealed a saddle pulmonary embolism that necessitated pulmonary thrombectomy.

Keywords: chest pain; pulmonary embolism; thrombectomy.