ST Segment Elevation in a Young Woman with Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma

Abstract

The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) remains a key tool to diagnose ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, a variety of other conditions aside from obstructive coronary disease, including hyperkalemia, myocarditis, pericarditis, and Takotsubo and Brugada syndrome, may also cause ST segment elevation, with an incidence rate of 3%-15% and mean age of 45 ± 14 years. A combination of a detailed past medical history, thorough physical examination, and additional imaging tests may allow physicians to make the correct diagnosis.In this report, we present a case of a 39-year-old woman with metaplastic breast cancer in the process of combined oncological treatment admitted to the emergency department because of general body weakness, chest pain, and accompanying hypotonia with an initial diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome.The ECG at presentation showed ST segment elevation, but owing to the observed neoplastic cachexia and frailty, she was medically managed and the diagnostics were extended to include transthoracic echocardiogram and computed tomography scan. The patient was found to have an external mass that infiltrated into the thoracic wall, pericardium, right ventricle, interventricular septum, and coronary arteries.In cancer patients with chest pain and ST segment elevation, STEMI should not be the only diagnosis taken into account. In our report, using a combination of available cardiac imaging methods, we were able to evaluate the stage of the lesion and coronary involvement.