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Fatal left main coronary artery embolism from aortic valve endocarditis following cardiac catheterization
F Shamsham1, A M Safi, I Pomerenko
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, New York 11203, USA.
Insights
Coronary artery embolization, often linked to aortic valve endocarditis, can cause sudden cardiac death. A case report details fatal embolization to the left main coronary artery following angiography.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Coronary artery embolization is a known cause of sudden cardiac death.
- Aortic valve endocarditis is frequently associated with coronary emboli.
Observation:
- A patient with diagnosed aortic valve endocarditis underwent coronary angiography.
- The patient experienced sudden cardiac death post-procedure.
Findings:
- Autopsy confirmed embolic occlusion of the left main coronary artery.
- This finding links the endocarditis to the fatal embolic event.
Implications:
- Highlights the risk of coronary artery embolization in patients with aortic valve endocarditis.
- Underscores the potential for fatal outcomes, even after diagnostic procedures like angiography.
Abstract:
Coronary artery embolization has been associated with sudden cardiac death. It is more commonly seen with aortic valve endocarditis. It manifests as acute myocardial ischemia or infarction, causing instability of the cardiac rhythm, which may be fatal. We report a patient with aortic valve endocarditis who had sudden cardiac death following coronary angiography. Autopsy revealed embolic occlusion of the left main coronary artery.