Unexpected Causes and Complications of ST-Segment Myocardial Infarction That Highlight the Importance and Limitations of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Emergency Department.

Point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography is a valuable tool for Emergency Physicians evaluating a patient in shock. We describe a case report of ST-segment myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock and acute severe mitral valve regurgitation that was immediately identified by the Emergency Physician. However, subsequent testing revealed an unexpected unifying diagnosis. The diagnostic sequence in this case highlights the benefits and limitations of point-of-care ultrasound in the Emergency Department and reinforces its role to address discrete clinically relevant questions.