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An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
06:35

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis

Published on: February 8, 2019

Myocardial infarction due to giant cell arteritis: a case report and literature review

Long-Wei Lin1, Shoei-Shen Wang, Chia-Tung Shun

  • 1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.

The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
|March 31, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Giant cell arteritis, a rare cause of myocardial infarction, typically affects cranial arteries. This case highlights coronary artery involvement leading to heart failure and the need for considering this condition in heart attack diagnoses.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Giant cell arteritis (GCA) primarily affects cranial arteries, with rare instances reported in coronary arteries.
  • Atypical chest pain can be an initial symptom, necessitating a broad differential diagnosis.

Observation:

  • A 51-year-old woman presented with atypical chest pain, indicative of potential cardiac compromise.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed left ventricular dilation and global hypokinesia, suggesting advanced heart dysfunction.

Findings:

  • The patient developed progressive heart failure despite medical management, ultimately requiring a heart transplant.
  • Pathologic examination confirmed myocardial infarction caused by coronary artery giant cell arteritis.

Implications:

  • Coronary artery giant cell arteritis is an uncommon but critical cause of myocardial infarction.
  • Clinicians should consider GCA in the differential diagnosis of myocardial infarction, especially in atypical presentations.

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