Loeffler’s endocarditis and possible coronary spasm secondary to eosinophilic coronary periarteritis with ECG change mimicking acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A case report

Abstract Background Loeffler’s endocarditis is an inflammatory cardiac condition of hypereosinophilic syndrome which rarely involves coronary artery. When coronary artery is involved, known as eosinophilic coronary periarteritis, the clinical presentation, electrocardiographic changes and troponin level are extremely nonspecific and may mimic acute coronary syndrome. It is very important to make differential diagnosis for ECPA in order to avoid the unnecessary further invasive coronary angiography. Case presentation We report a case with chest pain, ST-segment depression in electrocardiogram and increased troponin-I mimicking acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. However, quick echocardiography showed endomyocardial thickening with normal regional wall motion, which corresponded to the characteristics of Loeffler’s endocarditis. Emergent blood analysis showed marked increase in eosinophils and computed tomography angiography found no significant stenosis of coronary artery. Manifestations of magnetic resonance imaging consisted with findings of echocardiography. Finally, the patient was diagnosed as Loeffler’s endocarditis and possible coronary spasm secondary to eosinophilic coronary periarteritis. Conclusion This case exhibits the crucial use of quick transthoracic echocardiography and the emergent hematological examination for differential diagnosis in such scenarios as often if electrocardiogram change mimicking myocardial infarction.