Diagnostic performance of initial salivary alpha-amylase activity for acute myocardial infarction in patients with acute chest pain

Background

To rule out acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in chest pain patients constitutes a diagnostic challenge to emergency department (ED) physicians.

Study Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic value of measuring salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity for detecting AMI in patients presenting to the ED with acute chest pain.

Methods

sAA activity was measured in a prospective cohort of 473 consecutive adult patients within 4 h of onset of chest pain. Comparisons were made between patients with a final diagnosis of AMI and those with non-AMI. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression model were used to identify independent clinical predictors of AMI.

Results

Initial sAA activity in the AMI group (n = 85; 266 ± 127.6 U/mL) was significantly higher than in the non-AMI group (n = 388; 130 ± 92.8 U/mL, p < 0.001). sAA activity levels were also significantly higher in patients with ST elevation AMI (n = 53) compared to in those with non-ST elevation AMI (n = 32) (300 ± 141.1 vs. 210 ± 74.1 U/mL, p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of sAA activity for predicting AMI in patients with acute chest pain was 0.826 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.782–0.869), with diagnostic odds ratio 10.87 (95% CI 6.16–19.18). With a best cutoff value of 197.7 U/mL, the sAA activity revealed moderate sensitivity and specificity as an independent predictor of AMI (78.8% and 74.5%).

Conclusions

High initial sAA activity is an independent predictor of AMI in patients presenting to the ED with chest pain.     

个体化持续改进对胸痛中心救治急性心肌梗死患者效率的影响

目的：分析个体化持续改进对于提高胸痛中心急性心肌梗死患者救治效率的影响。方法：分别提取2017和2019年1月至4月某院胸痛中心收治的125例急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者的救治数据，其中2017年1至4月（改进前）73例，2019年（1至4月）改进后52例。对比分析在两时间段诊治患者的总缺血时间、门-球时间、首次医疗接触-球囊扩张时间、住院时间、住院费用等。结果：改进后，门-球时间由（85.37±15.34）min降至（72.66±19.98）min（P<0.01）；穿刺-球囊扩张时间由（24.31±8.61）min降至（16.68±8.36）min（P<0.01）；首次医疗接触-球囊时间由（102.88±41.23）min降至（93.64±39.41）min（P=0.038）；住院时间由（10.06±3.20）d降至（8.87±2.50）d（P=0.024）；首次医疗接触-球囊扩张时间达标率由67.31%（35/52）上升为78.08%（57/73，P=0.028）；改进后患者预后不良比例由27.40%（20/73）降至11.54%（6/52，P=0.043）。结论：个体化持续改进可以显著提高急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死的救治效率。     

Culturally competent care of patients with acute chest pain

PURPOSE: To inform nurse practitioners (NPs) about the influence of culture on patients' responses to pain using the example of acute chest pain. DATA SOURCES: Selected clinical and research articles on pain and culture and the authors' clinical experiences providing care across a variety of cultures. CONCLUSIONS: There is very little written and even fewer studies on the connection of culture and the response to acute chest pain. This topic needs more attention by nurse researchers. Implications for practice If NPs are not aware that some patients may not demonstrate behavior typically expected in acute myocardial infarction, they may miss the diagnosis and fail to treat or refer these patients for immediate treatment.     

Frequency of acute coronary syndrome in patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain after methamphetamine use

We reviewed the frequency of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients presenting to our Emergency Department (ED) with chest pain after methamphetamine (MAP) use during a 2-year interval. Thirty-three patients (25 males, 8 females; average age 40.4 ± 8.0 years) with a total of 36 visits met study inclusion criteria: 1) non-traumatic chest pain, 2) positive MAP urine toxicology screen, 3) admission to “rule-out” myocardial infarction, 4) chest radiograph demonstrating no infiltrates. An ACS was diagnosed in 9 patients (25%). Three patients (8%) (2 ACS and 1 non-ACS) suffered cardiac complications (ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, respectively). Age, gender, cardiac risk factors, prior coronary artery disease, initial systolic blood pressure and heart rate did not differ significantly in the ACS and non-ACS groups. The initial and subsequent electrocardiograms (EKG) were normal in 1/9 (11%) patients with ACS and 16/27 (59%) without ACS (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that: 1) ACS is common in patients hospitalized for chest pain after MAP use, and 2) the frequency of other potentially life-threatening cardiac complications is not negligible. A normal EKG lowers the likelihood of ACS, but an abnormal EKG is not helpful in distinguishing patients with or without ACS.     

Potential health promotion benefits of lipid testing for all patients presenting with chest pain to an emergency department

Objectives

To establish the prevalence of previously undiagnosed dyslipidaemia in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with non‐traumatic chest pain and, more particularly, the prevalence in the subgroup which was discharged home from the ED, the group that traditionally would not have received a lipid test.

Methods

Prospective, observational study of adult patients presenting to an ED with non‐traumatic chest pain as the presenting complaint.

Results

A total of 185 eligible patients underwent lipid testing during their presentation: 96 in the ED and 89 in the wards. Overall 61% (n = 112) of patients had at least one abnormal lipid level. Of patients discharged from the ED, 62% had at least one abnormal lipid level.

Conclusions

A moderate, but useful, increase in detection rates of dyslipidaemia is possible if lipid testing is offered to all patients presenting with chest pain, and not just to those who are admitted to wards for further investigation and management of suspected acute coronary syndromes. Testing of this group should be considered as a health promotion initiative in the ED, with appropriate follow up in the community.     

胸痛中心再灌注救治流程护理对急性心肌梗死患者救治成功率的影响

目的探讨胸痛中心(CPC)再灌注救治流程护理对急性心肌梗死患者救治成功率的临床效果。方法选取442例均行静脉溶栓后早期经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI)的ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者作为研究对象,随机分成2组各221例,对照组采用常规护理,观察组按胸痛中心再灌注流程进行护理,分析比较入院到球囊扩张时间、平均住院天数、平均住院费用以及患者满意率、院内死亡率、PCI成功率、护理不良事件发生率情况,并对结果进行统计学分析。结果观察组患者的平均住院费用、住院时间及入院到球囊扩张时间均远远低于对照组(P0.05);对照组患者的护理不良事件发生率、PCI成功率及院内死亡率与观察组差异显著(P0.05),护理满意度远低于观察组(P0.05)。结论胸痛中心再灌注救治流程应用于心肌梗死患者的护理,可有效降低住院费用,节省住院时间和医疗资源,提高患者生存率,改善愈后,值得在临床上大力推广和应用。     

胸痛中心持续改进对急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者再灌注及预后的影响

目的探讨胸痛中心认证后,各部门急救流程的持续改进对急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者再灌注及预后的影响。方法回顾性分析2018年3月至2019年7月于安徽医科大学第三附属医院合肥市第一人民医院胸痛中心确诊为急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死并行经皮冠状动脉介入治疗的患者206例临床资料,将认证前收治的98例患者设为对照组,认证后收治的108例患者设为研究组。对比研究组及实验组患者的开始发病至初次医疗接触时间、进门至植入球囊扩张时间、初次医疗接触至植入球囊扩张时间、总缺血时间及经皮冠状动脉介入治疗术后30 d主要心血管不良事件发生率,并对术后30 d主要心血管不良事件发生的影响因素进行Logistic回归分析。结果研究组患者初次医疗接触至植入球囊扩张时间[84.5(73.0,96.0)min]、总缺血时间[205.0(159.8,307.0)min]、进门到植入球囊扩张时间[72.5(58.3,83.8)min]较对照组[112.0(93.0,132.5)min、241.0(199.0,329.0)min、78.0(68.0,96.5)min]明显缩短,差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05);研究组患者开始发病至初次医疗接触时间稍短于对照组[124.5(77.3,201.0)min与130.0(76.3,216.0)min],差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);与对照组比较,研究组患者术后30 d主要心血管不良事件发生率更低[16.7%(18/108)与28.6%(28/98)],差异有统计学意义(P=0.040)。根据多因素Logistic回归分析结果,KillipⅢ、Ⅳ级(OR 2.618,95%CI 1.244~5.509,P=0.011)、开始发病到初次医疗接触时间>90 min(OR 4.562,95%CI 2.167~9.603,P<0.001)、进门到植入球囊扩张时间>60 min(OR 2.227,95%CI 1.087~4.563,P=0.029)是术后30 d主要心血管不良事件发生的独立危险因素。结论胸痛中心流程的持续改进可以促使本地区内医疗资源的合理利用,更有效地缩短心肌梗死患者的救治时间,减少术后30 d内主要心血管不良事件的出现。     

Modification of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk score for patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department

Objective

To develop a modified Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score to effectively risk stratify patients presenting to the ED with chest pain.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted at two metropolitan EDs. Data were obtained during patient interview. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 30 days of presentation. Two separate modifications of the TIMI score were developed. These scores were compared to the original TIMI in terms of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and diagnostic accuracy statistics (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values).

Results

Of 1760 patients, 364 (20.7%) experienced 30 day MACE. The first modified TIMI score was a simplified TIMI (s‐TIMI) including four variables: age ≥65 years, three or more risk factors, high‐sensitivity troponin (hs‐cTnI) and electrocardiogram changes. The second score included the same four variables plus two Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) variables (systolic blood pressure and estimated glomerular filtration rate). This score was termed the GRACE TIMI (g‐TIMI). s‐TIMI had a lower sensitivity compared to the original TIMI score (93.41 and 96.98%), but higher specificity (45.49 and 24.50%). The g‐TIMI had a sensitivity of 98.90% and specificity of 14.90%.

Conclusions

Attempts to modify the TIMI score yielded two scores with added predictive utility in comparison to the original TIMI model. The addition of GRACE variables (g‐TIMI) increased sensitivity for MACE, but decreased the specificity of the model. The s‐TIMI score yielded good specificity but had sensitivity that would not be acceptable by emergency physicians. The s‐TIMI may be useful as part of an accelerated chest pain protocol.     

急诊室内使用瑞替普酶治疗急性心肌梗死的疗效评价

目的比较第三代静注溶栓药物瑞替普酶(rPA)和阿替普酶(rt-PA)对急性心肌梗死(AMI)患者急诊静脉溶栓治疗的临床疗效。方法采用前瞻开放性临床研究方法,观察2004年3月至2006年12月期间在本院急诊室内接受rPA或rt-PA静脉溶栓治疗的AMI患者,共55例,其中rPA组24例,rt-PA组31例,观察血管再通率、死亡率、平均住院天数、心力衰竭及休克等并发症和出血不良反应。结果rPA和rt-PA组的再通率分别为87.50%和83.83%,(P>0.05)。溶栓后30d内心力衰竭、休克及再梗死发生率两组相当,(P>0.05);死亡率分别为8.33%(2例)和6.45%(2例),P>0.05;轻度出血发生率分别66.66%和48.38%,P>0.05;脑出血发生率为8.33%和9.68%,P>0.05;住院天数分别为(10.74±6.49)d和(13.09±13.36)d,P>0.05。结论瑞替普酶适合急诊室内急性心肌梗死患者的静脉溶栓治疗。     

护理评估在急性心肌梗死患者疼痛护理中的应用

目的探讨护理评估在急性心肌梗死患者疼痛护理中的应用效果。方法选择本院接受治疗的124例患者,按照随机数字法分为实验组与对照组,各62例,对照组采取常规护理模式,实验组则在对照组的基础上采取护理评估护理模式,比较2组患者护理干预后HAMD评分、HAMA评分、心绞痛发作频率、心绞痛持续时间、疼痛评分值及护理效果。结果护理干预后2组患者HAMD、HAMA评分均显著降低,实验组HAMD、HAMA评分均显著低于对照组(P0.05);实验组心绞痛发作频率、持续时间均显著低于对照组(P0.05)。随着护理干预的介入2组患者疼痛评分值均减小,但实验组较对照组显著(P0.05)。实验组在住院时间、卧床时间、并发症发生率、护理满意度均显著优于对照组(P0.05)。结论护理评估在急性心肌梗死患者疼痛护理中能够显著降低患者HAMD评分、HAMA评分、心绞痛发作频率及持续时间、疼痛评分,缩短住院、卧床时间,减少并发症发生率,提高护理满意度。     

肌钙蛋白I与肌酸激酶同工酶在老年人急性心肌梗死中的应用价值

目的研究肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)对老年急性心肌梗死(AMI)的诊断价值。方法选取2012年1月至2014年6月心内科临床确诊的106例老年AMI患者为AMI组,68例老年胸痛患者为胸痛组,另选取64例老年体检健康者为对照组。比较cTnI、CK-MB检测对AMI的诊断效果,并分析cTnI、CK-MB在AMI发生后不同时间段的变化情况。结果 AMI组患者血清cTnI与CK-MB水平及阳性率均高于胸痛组与对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);cTnI对AMI的诊断灵敏度、特异度及约登指数分别为92.2%、94.7%、0.869,CK-MB的上述指标分别为87.4%、90.9%、0.783,两指标联合检测的灵敏度、特异度及约登指数均有所提高;AMI组患者cTnI与CK-MB水平均在入院后12h至1d达到最高,随后下降。结论 cTnI与CK-MB联合检测对AMI的早期诊断与防治有重要的临床意义,适宜在基层医院推广应用。     

Utility of admission cardiac troponin and "Ischemia Modified Albumin" measurements for rapid evaluation and rule out of suspected acute myocardial infarction in the emergency department

Objective

To assess if the combination of cardiac troponin (cTn) and Ischemia Modified Albumin (IMA) can be used for early exclusion of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

Prospective consecutive admissions to the emergency department (ED) with undifferentiated chest pain were assessed clinically and by electrocardiography. A total of 539 patients (335 men, 204 women; median age 51.9 years) considered at low risk of AMI had blood drawn on admission. If the first sample was less than 12 hours from onset of chest pain, a second sample was drawn two hours later, at least six hours from onset of chest pain. Creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CKMB) mass was measured on the first sample and CKMB mass and cTnT on the second sample. An aliquot from the first available sample was frozen and subsequently analysed for IMA. If cTnT had not been measured on the original sample cTnI was measured (n = 189).

Results

Complete data were available for 538/539 patients. IMA or cTn was elevated in the admission sample of all patients with a final diagnosis of AMI (n = 37) with IMA alone elevated in 2/37, cTn alone in 19/37, and both in 16/37. In 173/501 patients in whom AMI was excluded both tests were negative. In the non‐AMI group 22 patients had elevation of both IMA and cTn in the initial sample, suggesting ischaemic disease.

Conclusion

Admission measurement of cardiac troponin plus IMA can be used for early classification of patients presenting to the ED to assist in patient triage.     

The prognostic value of copeptin in patients with acute chest pain

The prognostic value of copeptin in acute chest pain is an area of rapid growth and research interest. Copeptin has already established a role in early diagnosis and rule out of acute myocardial infarction, but as its use increases much of the attention has been directed at the prognostic value of copeptin. This article reviews the growing body of evidence supporting the use of copeptin to further risk-stratify chest pain patients. The studies included address a variety of populations ranging from all patients presenting with chest pain to those who are at high risk, diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome or found to have left ventricular dysfunction. Many of the studies compare and combine the prognostic value of copeptin with other prognostic markers such as troponin, brain natriuretic peptide and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events scores. Caveats of copeptin are also discussed such as gender differences, cutoff points and the importance of timing in the copeptin assay.     

急诊胸痛患者心理状态及临床特征研究

目的：评估急诊胸痛患者的心理状态并分析其临床特征。方法：收集2012-06-2013-06我院主诉急性胸痛的患者301人病例,采用汉密顿焦虑量表（Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale,HAMA）和汉密顿抑郁量表（Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17,HAMD-17）评估患者心理状态,比较心源性胸痛（cardiac chest pain,CCP）与非心源性胸痛（non cardiac chest pain,NCCP）的临床特点及胸痛病因。结果：301例入选患者中,155例为CCP（51.5%）,146例为NCCP（48.5%）,并普遍表现为焦虑抑郁,其中CCP组中有肯定焦虑（HAMA〉14分）和肯定抑郁症（HAM D-17〉7分）的发生率分别是NCCP组的1.87倍和2.53倍。结论：CCP患者焦虑及抑郁发生率高,应及时给予心理支持,必要时再给予抗焦虑抑郁的药物干预,对降低心血管事件的发病率和病死率或有重要临床意义。     

Anxiety and depressive disorders in patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department: a comparison between cardiac and non-cardiac origin

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in patients presenting with chest pain to the Emergency Department (ED) and determine if there is a relationship between these and cardiac vs. non-cardiac chest pain. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was performed in an urban tertiary care hospital between March and October 2005. Consecutive patients presenting with chest pain were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in patients with chest pain were determined by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: A total of 324 patients presented to the ED with chest pain during the study period. The mean age of the patients studied was 50.5 ± 14 years; 67% were men and 33% were women. Of the 324 study patients, 194 (59.9%) patients were diagnosed with non-cardiac chest pain, 16 (4.9%) with stable angina, 84 (25.9%) with unstable angina, and 30 (9.3%) with acute myocardial infarction. No statistically significant differences were determined between patients with cardiac and non-cardiac chest pain both for anxiety (40% vs. 38.1%, respectively; p = 0.737) and depressive disorders (52.3% vs. 52.1%, respectively; p = 0.965). Conclusion: Anxiety and depressive disorders are common among patients presenting with chest pain to the ED. However, the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders is similar between patients with chest pain of cardiac and non-cardiac origin. Chest pain should not be attributed to an anxiety or depressive disorder before organic etiologies are excluded.     

Effectiveness to identify acute myocardial infarction using the Manchester screening in patients with chest pain at the emergency service

Background

Among cardiovascular diseases (CVD), acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the main manifestation, corresponding to signs and symptoms that occur with ischemia and outcome of angina or acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of biochemical markers eligible in a chest pain protocol, using Point of care Test (POCT), in patients in a reference emergency room.

Methods

In this study, 1380 medical records of patients of both genders were evaluated, ranked by applying chest pain protocol using the Manchester Triage System (MTS). Markers for myocardial injury were measured in serial analysis including myoglobin (Mgb), creatine kinase MB fraction mass (CK‐MB), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI).

Results

Acute myocardial infarction was predominant in males (P < .001), in patients with hypertension (P < .001), and in those with previous myocardial infarction (P < .026) and significant electrocardiogram (ECG) data for AMI screening (P < .001). A multivariate regression model showed as predictors for AMI the variables ECG data by admittance at the emergency room, previous AMI history, levels of both Mgb at the third hour, and cTnI at the sixth hour after admission.

Conclusion

This study showed the importance of a rapid and serial test as a cardiac marker for AMI screening, as well as has indicated the importance of time between the onset of chest pain and admission to the emergency room as an efficient aid in diagnosing this life‐threatening disease.

     

Prevalence of right ventricular myocardial infarction in patients with acute inferior wall myocardial infarction

The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI) in patients with acute inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI) admitted to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, Pakistan. Between August 2000 and May 2001, a total of 100 patients with acute IWMI were enrolled. History of all patients was taken, and thorough clinical examination was performed to asses the presence of signs of right ventricular infarction. Standard 12-lead electrocardiogram was recorded immediately on arrival of patients along with right precordial leads. All patients were considered for thrombolytic therapy in the absence of any contraindication and were managed with standard treatment strategies. Complications arising during the course of admission were recorded and compared between the two groups. There were 86 (86%) males and 14 (14%) females. Mean age was 56.3 +/- 13.13 years (range 33-83 years). The prevalence of RVMI in IWMI was 34%. Smoking and diabetes were more prevalent in RVMI group, while hypertension and family history of ischemic heart disease were more common in isolated IWMI. Ninety per cent of patients received thrombolytic therapy. In-hospital mortality (23.5%) was higher in RVMI group than isolated IWMI (18.1%). Other major complications were also higher in RVMI group than isolated IWMI. Right ventricular infarction was found in approximately one-third of IWMI. Right ventricular infarction was associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, and its presence defines a higher risk subgroup of patients with inferior wall left ventricular infarction.     

Patient delay and use of ambulance by patients with chest pain

Objective: To identify the reasons why patients with chest pain delay in seeking hospital medical care and do or do not use an ambulance. Methods: One hundred and fifty‐one patients with an ED diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction or angina were interviewed about demographic characteristics, medical history, symptom onset, time taken before deciding to call an ambulance or go to hospital (delay time) and transport used. Multiple logistic regression determined independent predictors of late presentation (delay time >30 min) and ambulance use. Results: One hundred and twelve (74.2%, 95% CI 67.0–81.0%) patients delayed more than 30 min. Independent predictors of late presentation were: seeing a general practitioner (GP) (P = 0.001), having prior heart problems (P = 0.009) and symptoms occurring at night (P = 0.036). Eighty‐one (54.7%, 95% CI 47.0–63.0%) patients used an ambulance. Predictors of ambulance use were increased age (P = 0.025) and having ambulance insurance (P = 0.018), although there was interaction between these variables. Conclusions: Education programmes should continue to emphasize that chest pain is a potential medical emergency and an ambulance should be called. GPs should consider developing an action plan to manage patients presenting with chest pain.     

心肌桥致急性前壁心肌梗死的临床风险分析

目的探讨心肌桥致急性前壁心肌梗死的特征及临床风险。方法统计因急性胸痛疑心肌梗死行造影检查检出心肌桥的30例患者以及因急性胸痛造影检查无心肌桥的30例患者,分析心肌桥与急性前壁心肌梗死的关系,以及心肌桥致急性心肌梗死的特点。结果两组患者性别、年龄、高血压、高脂血症、家族史、吸烟史方面比较差异均无统计学意义。心肌桥患者在胸闷和胸痛方面无特异表现。在硝酸甘油疗效方面,30例心肌桥患者中3例(10.0%)有疗效;而无心肌桥患者11例(36.7%)有疗效。另外,30例心肌桥患者25例(83.3%)心功能在Ⅲ级或者Ⅳ级,而无心肌桥患者18例(60.0%)心功能在Ⅲ级或者Ⅳ级;心肌桥患者最终16例(53.3%)发生心肌梗死,而无心肌桥患者有8例(26.7%)发生心肌梗死。结论心肌桥患者服用硝酸甘油疗效很差,心肌梗死的风险有所提高,应早期防治。     

Acute myopericarditis with focal ECG findings mimicking acute myocardial infarction

Background: Although history, physical examination, laboratory data points, and electrocardiogram (ECG) are helpful, distinguishing among pericarditis, myopericarditis, and myocardial infarction can be difficult. Objectives: This case, which presents as pericarditis with concomitant myocarditis (myopericarditis), illustrates the four evolving ECG stages of pericarditis and highlights some of the potential difficulties in differentiating between myopericarditis and acute myocardial infarction. Case Report: We present the case of a previously healthy 15-year-old boy who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) from his family physician's office for chest pain and presumed pericarditis. The patient's initial ECG showed infero-lateral ST-segment elevation, and his troponin T was elevated at 1.54 ng/mL (ref. < 0.03). Several hours after presentation to the ED, the patient experienced “10/10” chest pain, and a repeat ECG showed ST elevation increased from the prior ECG. After an emergent echocardiogram revealed no regional wall abnormalities, he was transferred to a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit, where a heart catheterization revealed no coronary irregularities. He was discharged 4 days later with the diagnosis of myopericarditis. Conclusion: This case report illustrates some of the difficulties in differentiating among myopericarditis and myocardial infarction in a 15-year-old patient presenting with chest pain.