Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
[Spontaneous calcified coronary embolism and myocardial infarction. Apropos of a case]
Insights
A rare case of myocardial infarction was caused by calcific coronary embolism from undiagnosed calcific aortic stenosis. Diagnosis involved identifying a mobile calcification in the coronary artery matching a lacunar image.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Calcific aortic stenosis is a common valvular heart disease.
- Coronary embolism is a rare but serious complication.
- Asymptomatic calcific aortic stenosis can present with unusual complications.
Abstract:
The authors report a rare case of myocardial infarction due to calcific coronary embolisation in a patient with previously asymptomatic calcific aortic stenosis. The diagnosis was suggested by the finding of a lacunar image in the distal segment of the left anterior descending artery exactly corresponding to a punctiform mobile calcification visible before opacification of the coronary arteries. The clinical features of coronary embolism and in particular of calcific embolism are reviewed.
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