Course: Unraveling Wavy ST Segments—An Unusual Case of Syncope
CME Credits: 1.00
Released: 2024-01-08
A patient in their 60s with gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD) presented to the emergency department after loss of consciousness during dinner. They described a prodrome of lightheadedness before they fell to the floor and sustained a head strike. The patient reported episodes of daily intermittent chest discomfort occurring at rest over the prior 2 months, most often in the afternoons, which they attributed to GERD. On presentation, the patient’s heart rate was 59 beats/min, and blood pressure was 130/90 mm Hg. Orthostatic vital signs were negative. Cardiopulmonary and neurological examination findings were normal. Laboratory values, including high-sensitivity troponin and electrolytes, were within normal limits. The initial electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus rhythm with no evidence of epsilon waves, Brugada pattern, early repolarization, or long or short QT intervals. The patient was admitted for workup of syncope and underwent cardiac telemetry monitoring. On hospital day 2, the patient experienced the usual chest discomfort while resting in bed; loss of consciousness did not occur. Physical examination findings, stat high-sensitivity troponin level, and electrolytes were all normal. The patient’s chest discomfort resolved within 5 minutes of onset. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed no underlying structural or valvular disease. Telemetry strips from around the time of this episode are shown in the Figure.
To identify the key insights or developments described in this article
View Full Course