Reversible acute left ventricular dysfunction in accidental strangulation.

OBJECTIVE

: To report reversible acute left ventricular dysfunction after accidental strangulation in an 8-year-old boy.

DESIGN

: Case report.

SETTING

: Pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary care teaching hospital.

PATIENT

: Review of the medical record and clinical course of the patient who developed cardiogenic shock and pulmonary edema after strangulation.

INTERVENTIONS

: Mechanical ventilation, monitoring of cardiovascular status, and serial evaluation of cardiac enzymes.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

: In the acute period, electrocardiogram showed transient global ST elevation with rise of cardiac enzymes and global left ventricular hypokinesia. Hemodynamic status improved over 24 hrs with resolution of electrocardiogram findings and left ventricular dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

: Exaggerated sympathetic stimulation due to strangulation can result in acute reversible myocardial dysfunction mimicking myocardial infarction.