A Diagnostic Dilemma from a Presentation of Shortness of Breath and Chest Pain.

INTRODUCTION

A patient presented to hospital with chest pain and shortness of breath on 2 occasions 4 weeks apart. Clinical examination revealed an elevated jugular venous pressure consistent with heart failure or elevated filling pressures.

METHODS

The patient was investigated through various modalities including electrocardiogram (ECG), transthoracic echocardiogram, coronary angiography, MRI, cardiac catheterization, positron emission tomography, and an extensive laboratory workup.

RESULTS

Serial hs TnI measurements consistently revealed grossly elevated troponin I (>10 000 ng/L). In-lab investigation of increased high sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) showed evidence of falsely increased troponin due to the presence of heterophilic antibodies.

DISCUSSION: This case demonstrates a complex patient presentation and the value of involving the laboratory medicine team when dealing with potentially discrepant results. This is a rare report of grossly elevated troponin due to heterophilic antibodies for high-sensitivity troponin Abbott assay.