Case Report

Myocarditis Masquerading as a ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)

Authors: Atman Shah, MD

Abstract

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium with a wide range of clinical presentations, from vague flu-like symptoms to rapidly progressive heart failure. The diagnosis is made histopathologically, with the help of immunohistochemical stains. Myocarditis is classified by specific criteria, and the myocardial biopsy reveals an inflammatory infiltrate with necrosis and/or degeneration of adjacent myocytes. The case of a young woman who presented with a ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is presented. The current literature is reviewed to discuss the approach to evaluation and treatment of suspected myocarditis.

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