ST segment elevation myocardial infarction as a presenting feature of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Auras R Atreya1, Sonali Arora, Senthil K Sivalingam
1Department of Internal Medicine, Baystate Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine, Massachusetts, USA.
Insights
ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can rarely be the first sign of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Early diagnosis and treatment of TTP are crucial for full recovery, even with initial cardiac symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a common emergency room presentation.
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) rarely presents initially with myocardial injury or necrosis.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old woman presented with STEMI, but her presentation was atypical.
- She exhibited symptoms of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, acute kidney injury, and fluctuating mental status.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of TTP was confirmed by low ADAMTS-13 activity.
- Treatment with plasmapheresis and intravenous steroids led to a full recovery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare etiologies, like TTP, in atypical STEMI presentations.
- Rapid, comprehensive evaluation integrating all clinical data is essential for identifying unusual disease entities and ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation (STE) on electrocardiography (ECG) is a common presentation in emergency rooms across the world. Myocardial injury and necrosis are infrequently the initial presentation in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). A 48-year-old woman presented with STE myocardial infarction from outside hospital for primary percutaneous coronary intervention. However, her clinical picture was not consistent. Rapid evaluation revealed symptoms associated with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, acute kidney injury with waxing and waning mental status. A diagnosis of TTP was made with low ADAMST-13 activity. Plasmapheresis was initiated along with intravenous steroid therapy. The patient had a full recovery and went home after full recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction and normal myocardial perfusion studies. Rapid evaluation is needed to identify infrequent causes of STE myocardial infarction. As swift protocols are activated in the emergency room and catheterization laboratories to ensure quality control, it is equally important to integrate all aspects of the patient's clinical and objective data to detect unusual disease entities.
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