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A 42-year-old man with recurrent myocardial infarction and normal appearing coronary arteries
H D Danenberg1, Y Hasin, D Gilon
1Department of Cardiology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel. danen@md2.huji.ac.il
Insights
A coronary mural thrombus caused recurrent myocardial infarction despite normal epicardial arteries. This highlights the need for ongoing anti-platelet and vasodilator therapy in small-vessel coronary artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Small-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) presents diagnostic challenges.
- Epicardial coronary arteries may appear normal despite significant myocardial ischemia.
- Coronary mural thrombus formation is a rare complication.
Observation:
- A patient presented with recurrent myocardial infarction.
- Diagnostic angiography revealed normal-appearing epicardial coronary arteries.
- Evidence of small-vessel coronary artery disease was identified.
Findings:
- A coronary mural thrombus was detected.
- The thrombus was associated with recurrent myocardial infarction in the context of normal epicardial arteries.
- Small-vessel CAD was the underlying pathology.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical role of medical management in small-vessel CAD.
- Permanent anti-platelet and vasodilator therapy is crucial for preventing recurrent events.
- Accurate diagnosis and treatment of small-vessel disease are essential for patient outcomes.
Abstract:
We report the occurrence of a coronary mural thrombus and recurrent myocardial infarction in a patient with normal-appearing epicardial coronary arteries and small-vessel coronary artery disease. The current case emphasizes the importance of permanent medical treatment with anti-platelet and vasodilators in patients with small-vessel coronary artery disease.
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