ECG Changes and High Sensitivity Troponin I in Acute Cholecystitis

Abdominal pain is a common chief complaint in Emergency departments (EDs) nationwide which presents a wide array of potential etiologies including acute coronary syndrome ( Daniels et al., 2020 ). High-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI), a biomarker traditionally linked to cardiac injury, can also be elevated in noncardiac conditions, such as acute cholecystitis. This case study underscores the advantages of hs-TnI over conventional troponin tests, specifically among patients with abnormal ECGs. This case also highlights the hs-TnI superior sensitivity in detecting or excluding subtle myocardial injuries that may arise from conditions like acute cholecystitis ( Babic et al., 2012 ). By integrating hs-TnI into the diagnostic workup, advanced practice registered nurses can more effectively stratify patient risk, thereby enhancing the quality of early diagnosis and management of acute cholecystitis.