Iatrogenic ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in a trauma patient: coronary artery compression by a chest tube.

ABSTRACT: Chest tube placement is often a lifesaving but also a potentially hazardous intervention, particularly in trauma settings. A male bodybuilder in his 30s presented at the emergency department after a single-vehicle motorcycle accident. On presentation, the left side of the chest showed decreased movement and subcutaneous emphysema. A chest tube was inserted in the left fifth intercostal space. During insertion, the heart was objectively close to the introduction place, and a wide complex tachycardia was observed, which resolved spontaneously. The ECG thereafter showed ST-segment elevation in precordial leads.The patient was admitted to the intensive care department (ICU), and due to persisting electrocardiographic signs of transmural ischaemia in the vascular territory of the left anterior

SUBMITTER: Mansvelder FJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12683646 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature