An acute coronary syndrome in a patient with left main coronary aneurysm
Willibaldo Ojeda1, Jose Martinez-Toro
1Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine.
Insights
Left main coronary artery aneurysms are rare, affecting 0.1% of angiograms. This case highlights a complex aneurysm with severe artery obstruction, successfully treated with bypass surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Aneurysms of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) are exceptionally rare, identified in approximately 0.1% of diagnostic angiograms.
- LMCA aneurysms can lead to significant cardiovascular complications due to their location and potential for obstruction.
Observation:
- A middle-aged male presented with a diagnosed left main coronary artery aneurysm.
- The aneurysm was associated with severe ostial obstruction of the left anterior descending artery, a ramus branch, and the left circumflex artery.
Findings:
- The etiology of the LMCA aneurysm was uncertain, with potential links to Kawasaki disease or cocaine toxicity.
- The patient experienced acute coronary syndrome, necessitating surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Successful coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed, resolving the acute coronary syndrome.
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare etiologies and managing complex LMCA aneurysms aggressively to prevent adverse cardiac events.
Abstract:
Aneurysms of the left main coronary artery are a rare entity, being found in 0.1% of angiograms. This case involves a middle aged man with left main coronary aneurysm, complicated with severe obstruction at the ostium of the left anterior descending artery, the ostium of a ramus, and the ostium of the left circumflex artery. The etiology in this case is not certain, but it may have been due to Kawasaki disease or cocaine toxicity. The patient developed an acute coronary syndrome and underwent successful by-pass surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

