Heart & lung : the journal of critical care
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Review Case Reports
Left spontaneous pneumothorax presenting with ST-segment elevations: a case report and review of the literature.
Common electrocardiogram (ECG) changes associated with left-sided pneumothorax include right axis deviation, reduced R-wave amplitude in precordial leads, QRS alterations (amplitude changes), and T-wave inversions. Few reports exist of ST-segment elevations or changes suggestive of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and these involve older patients with tension pneumothorax and previous coronary heart disease. ⋯ All changes resolved after decompression of the pneumothorax. On the basis of the patient's presenting symptoms, response to therapy, and our review of the literature, we propose a number of possible mechanisms explaining his electrocardiographic findings.