title: Pneumomediastinum mimicking acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
abstract: Pneumomediastinum is characterized by dissecting air within the connective tissues supporting the mediastinum. This condition has been associated with multiple electrocardiographic abnormalities including T-wave inversion, electrical alternans, loss of R wave progression, and low voltage QRS. We describe a case of pneumomediastinum with electrocardiographic changes mimicking acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Laboratory studies and echocardiography demonstrated no evidence of myocardial injury, and the electrocardiographic abnormality promptly resolved with resolution of the pneumomediastinum. The apparent ST-segment elevation appeared to be the result of electrocardiographic artifact, possibly related to epidermal stretch synchronous with the cardiac cycles.
authors.forename: William D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Brearley
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Michael W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Haley
authors.forename: Laszlo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Littmann
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis*