Submassive pulmonary embolism as a mask of acute coronary syndrome

Abstract

The paper presents a case of a 77-year-old man, who was admitted to hospital suffering from chest pain. The ECG showed horizontal ST segment depression in the V4-V6 leads. Non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome was diagnosed. However, transthoracic echocardiography revealed signs of pulmonary embolism. The present case indicates the need to consider pulmonary embolism in the differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes and underlines the role of echocardiography, which should be performed at the earliest possible stage. (Cardiol J 2007; 14: 402-406)