Volvulus Irritating the Myocardium: A Case Report.

Publication/Presentation Date

2-1-2023

Abstract

Gastric volvulus is a rare condition that may present with various symptoms and may occur as an acute or chronic condition. Signs and symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and chest pain. It is imperative to recognize acute gastric volvulus in a timely fashion, since a delay in diagnosis may result in foregut obstruction and increased risk of strangulation, if not recognized and treated promptly. Additionally, secondary complications that are equally life-threatening, such as cardiac arrhythmias, can occur. For this very reason, it is important to highlight gastric volvulus as a possibility when developing a differential diagnosis in patients complaining of abdominal pain. This case report describes a 73-year-old female with no past cardiac risk factors, who presented to the emergency department (ED) with symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), intermittent diarrhea, and nausea per emergency medical services (EMS). Upon EMS arrival at the patient's home, her heart rate was 210 beats per minute (bpm). Despite her condition appearing to result from a cardiac condition, imaging studies found a large hiatal hernia through which the stomach had displaced. The patient's stomach had distended, forming a volvulus and placing pressure on thoracic organs. This case highlights a rare but potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia associated with gastric volvulus.

Volume

15

Issue

2

First Page

35256

Last Page

35256

ISSN

2168-8184

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

36968880

Department(s)

Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Residents, Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty, USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Faculty

Document Type

Article

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