Widespread ST segment elevation and elevated troponin: unveiling an uncommon cause
This article describes a case involving a patient who presented with chest pain persisting for three days, elevated levels of cardiac troponin, and widespread ST segment elevation in the ECG leads. Subsequent diagnosis revealed esophageal perforation resulting from the accidental ingestion of a fish bone, leading to pericardial effusion and pneumopericardium. This case highlights the importance of healthcare professionals conducting a comprehensive investigation of the patient’s medical history when confronted with widespread ST segment elevation and elevated cardiac troponin levels to avoid misdiagnosis and mitigate potential serious consequences.
Authors
- Fei Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9459-9461)
- Ziyi Sun
Institutions
- Sun Yat-sen University (CN)
- Sichuan University (CN)
- West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University (CN)
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Published
- 2026-04-03
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13019-026-03989-y
- Primary Topic
- Pneumothorax, Barotrauma, Emphysema
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00