A case of ST-segment elevation provoked by distended stomach conduit

A case of ST-segment elevation provoked by distended stomach conduit is presented. An 83-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with worsening chest discomfort. She had a previous history of subtotal esophagectomy, which was reconstructed using a stomach conduit in the posterior mediastinum. Electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads and a prominent negative P wave in lead V I. Echocardiography demonstrated normal left ventricular function without regional wall motion abnormality; however, the left atrium and ventricle compressed by a substantially distended stomach conduit was noted. Subsequent angiocardiography revealed no coronary atherosclerotic stenosis and normal contractility of the left ventricle. Chest symptoms resolved soon after nasogastric suction, leading to resolution of electrocardiographic changes. The stomach conduit diminished on following repeated echocardiography. The patient was discharged without any evidence of myocardial infarction. Esophagus disease of the reconstructed stomach conduit should be recognized as a rare but considerable cause for electrocardiographic changes. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.