Atypical Presentation of Acute Myocardial Infarction Mimicking Gastrointestinal Pathology in a Young Adult

Authors

  • Moses Phiri Outpatient Department, Ronald Ross General Hospital, Mufulira, Zambia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53713/jcrcih.v1i1.655

Abstract

Acute myocardial infarction classically presents with chest pain; however, atypical presentations without chest discomfort may lead to diagnostic delay and increased morbidity. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as epigastric pain and vomiting can mimic primary abdominal pathology, particularly in young adults perceived to have a low cardiovascular risk. A 29-year-old male presented to the emergency department with six hours of severe epigastric pain (8/10 intensity) accompanied by recurrent vomiting. He denied chest pain or dyspnoea. Electrocardiography demonstrated 2–3 mm ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF with reciprocal ST depression in leads I and aVL. High-sensitivity troponin I levels were markedly elevated. Emergent coronary angiography revealed a complete thrombotic occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery. The patient underwent successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention with deployment of a drug-eluting stent, restoring TIMI grade 3 coronary flow. Inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction may present solely with gastrointestinal symptoms even in young adults. Early electrocardiography remains essential in patients presenting with unexplained epigastric pain to prevent delayed reperfusion and adverse outcomes.

Keywords:

Acute myocardial infarction, ST-elevation myocardial infarction, Right coronary artery, Primary percutaneous coronary intervention, Atypical presentation, Young adult

References

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Published

11-05-2026

How to Cite

Phiri, M. (2026). Atypical Presentation of Acute Myocardial Infarction Mimicking Gastrointestinal Pathology in a Young Adult. Journal of Case Reports and Clinical Insights in Health, 1(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.53713/jcrcih.v1i1.655

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): May 2026

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Moses Phiri

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