Clinical introduction

Early recurrence of focal ST-segment elevation after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) usually indicates myocardial reinfarction. However, it can be seen in threatened myocardial rupture, a situation in which administration of potent antithrombotic and thrombolytic therapy may be catastrophic. Herein, we present the case of an 84-year-old woman with STEMI undergoing urgent stenting who had a recurrence of chest pain with cardiogenic shock and new ST elevation in the infarct-related leads mimicking myocardial ischaemia. A patent stent showed by repeated angiography, presence of pericardial effusion and absence of recurrent rise in cardiac marker suggest the diagnosis of a contained left ventricular rupture. The experience of any clinician in dealing with this complicated …