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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Transradial Access Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Published on: September 20, 2020
An unusual complication following transarterial chemoembolization: acute myocardial infarction
Yi-Liang Lai1, Wei-Chou Chang, Wu-Hsien Kuo
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Armed Forces Taichung General Hospital, Taiping, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
Abstract:
Transarterial chemoembolization has been widely used to treat unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Various complications have been reported, but they have not included acute myocardial infarction. Acute myocardial infarction results mainly from coronary artery occlusion by plaques that are vulnerable to rupture or from coronary spasm, embolization, or dissection of the coronary artery. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present a case report that describes a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent transarterial chemoembolization and died subsequently of acute myocardial infarction. To our knowledge, there has been no previous report of this complication induced by transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. This case illustrates the need to be aware of acute myocardial infarction when transarterial chemoembolization is planned for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in patients with underlying coronary artery disease.
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