The de Winter ECG Pattern in the Absence of Acute Coronary Artery Occlusion.

ABSTRACT

A 26-year-old man presented to the emergency department with chest pain and electrocardiogram (ECG) changes compatible with the de Winter pattern. Emergent coronary angiography was used to rule out the presence of significant stenosis. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of myocarditis. This case underlines the lack of data regarding the positive predictive value of this ECG pattern for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Until further prospective studies are available, we believe that the de Winter ECG pattern should be considered as an "ST-elevation equivalent" when myocardial ischemia is suspected.