Medical errors in providing emergency care to patients with ECG symptoms of acute coronary syndrome on the background of decompensation of diabetes mellitus with hyperkalemia

Abstract

The article describes a rare clinical case of hyperkalemia backgrounded by type 1 diabetes mellitus with signs of acute cardiovascular insufficiency, arrhythmia and QRST disturbances which was primarily diagnosed as acute coronary syndrome with ST elevation. Coronary angiography excluded pathology of the coronary arteries. Hyperkalemia, as the cause of ECG changes, was suspected in the hospital treatment. Stabilization of the patient’s condition, renewal of heart rhythm and conduction was obtained against the background of infusion support and insulin therapy. The pathogenesis of arrhythmia and QRST complex had a secondary genesis in relation to fluid and electrolyte metabolism disorders, so the restoration of sinus rhythm occurred without usage of antiarrhythmics. The usage of antiarrhythmic drugs according to the guideline of management of patients with ACS can deepen electrolyte shifts and lead to fatal arrhythmias in conditions of insulin deficiency and hyperkalemia.

This example illustrates the urgent need to diagnose life-threatening electrolyte changes, namely hyperkalemia, under the guise of acute coronary syndrome, as well as signs of ACS, along with ECG, to pay special attention to the assessment of medical history and clinical data for the correct choice of emergency care and further treatment tactics.