Intracranial Hemorrhage Presenting With ST-Segment Elevation and T-Wave Inversion Concerning for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Acute neurologic injury and increased intracranial pressure are associated with electrocardiographic (ECG) changes that include rhythm disturbances as well as ECG mimics of myocardial ischemia, such as focal or diffuse ST-segment or T-wave abnormalities. Both the mechanism and significance of these ECG changes are not clear. The authors report a case of a patient with a complex medical history who became hypotensive after he presented with acute intracranial hemorrhage. A subsequent ECG showing ST-segment elevation in the inferior and lateral leads was concerning for acute myocardial infarction. ST-segment elevation in the setting of acute intracranial hemorrhage can lead to diagnostic confusion and/or premature narrowing of the differential diagnosis. This case report starts with an example of this exact scenario, provides a concise overview of potential mechanisms, and concludes with several possible strategies that the emergency provider can use to identify this effect in an undifferentiated patient.