Electrocardiogram evolution of acute anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction following pericarditis

Electrocardiogram is a powerful tool for differentiating acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and pericarditis. However, an unusual ECG presentation of the simultaneous occurrence of the two conditions has not been reported previously. In this article, we report a case of ECG evolution of acute anterior STEMI following pericarditis with pericardial effusion (PE) and find that QRS complex widening in ECG lead with maximal ST-segment elevation is also applicable for identifying STEMI even in patients with prior pericarditis. Undoubtedly, our case can help prevent emergency physicians from making incorrect diagnoses and administering inappropriate treatments.