What condition is indicated by a young patient experiencing angina at rest with ST-segment elevation and normal cardiac enzymes?

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The scenario described involves a young patient who experiences angina at rest, shows ST-segment elevation on an electrocardiogram (EKG), and has normal cardiac enzyme levels. This clinical presentation is characteristic of Prinzmetal's angina, also known as variant angina.

Prinzmetal's angina is caused by coronary artery spasm, which can lead to transient ischemic episodes, particularly at rest. The ST-segment elevation observed on the EKG during an episode is indicative of this ischemia due to the temporary occlusion of blood flow, but it is usually reversible and does not result in permanent myocardial damage, which is why cardiac enzyme levels remain normal.

In contrast, myocardial infarction would typically present with elevated cardiac enzymes due to tissue necrosis, and stable angina is often induced by exertion and does not typically present with ST-segment elevation. Aortic dissection may cause chest pain but would not typically be confused with these other presentations regarding EKG changes or enzyme levels.

Thus, the combination of angina at rest, ST-segment elevation, and normal cardiac enzymes aligns perfectly with the diagnosis of Prinzmetal's angina.

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