Electrocardiographic abnormalities can be associated with acute pancreatitis. However, data regarding the actual causative factor still remains elusive. Many previous cases were reported on non-specific ST and T wave abnormalities concurrent with acute pancreatitis but rarely with an increasing trend of cardiac markers. We describe the case of a 70-year-old female who presented with one such conundrum. Our patient had typical presentation of acute pancreatitis but had dynamic ECG changes with markedly increased cardiac markers. Subsequently after initiation of treatment for acute pancreatitis and observation for the course of several days, the ECG returned to the baseline as pre admission. This substantiates the fact that acute pancreatitis can mimic both biochemical and electrical manifestation of an acute coronary syndrome. Thus, Emergency Physicians should consider acute pancreatitis as a possible diagnosis in patients who present with abnormal electrocardiograms.
Trauma is thought to complicate 1 in 12 pregnancies. The management of trauma during pregnancy requires special consideration because pregnancy alters maternal physiology and the foetus is a potential collateral victim. The approach of these cases in the setting of the Emergency Department should not only be diagnostic for any foetal injuries but also prognostic for any future undue outcome. Antenatal traumatic brain injury is a rare but real complication of maternal blunt force trauma. Our case involves a 22-year-old primigravida who suffered a motor vehicle accident and on initial assessment revealed normal foetal assessment but subsequently after premature labour revealed a new born with traumatic brain injury. Early ultrasonographic evaluation and observational period with continuous electronic foetal monitoring may improve the detection and emergent treatment in these cases.