Double coronary artery thrombosis presenting as acute extensive anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Ching-Wei Lee1, Chih-Hong Lai, Tse-Min Lu
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Insights
Simultaneous thrombosis in multiple coronary arteries during acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is rare. Successful intervention involving both the right coronary artery (RCA) and left anterior descending artery (LAD) led to patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Acute Myocardial Infarction
Background:
- Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) typically involves a single culprit artery.
- Simultaneous multi-vessel coronary artery thrombosis is an uncommon and high-risk presentation of STEMI.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old male presented with chest tightness and ECG changes indicative of STEMI.
- Coronary angiography revealed simultaneous occlusions in the proximal right coronary artery (RCA) and proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD).
Findings:
- Initial intervention focused on the LAD via thrombus aspiration and stenting, achieving TIMI III flow.
- Subsequent complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) and cardiogenic shock were suspected to be due to distal embolization to the RCA's collateral circulation.
- A second intervention involving thrombus aspiration and stenting of the RCA restored flow and stabilized the patient.
Implications:
- This case highlights the complexity of managing STEMI with multi-vessel thrombosis.
- Prompt and sequential revascularization of both affected coronary arteries may be crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Understanding collateral circulation dynamics is vital in complex STEMI cases with multi-vessel involvement.
Abstract:
Simultaneous thrombosis of more than one coronary artery is an uncommon angiographic finding in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and usually leads to cardiogenic shock or even sudden cardiac death. We reported a 56-year-old man presenting with persistent chest tightness and ST-segment elevation over precordial leads in electrocardiography (ECG). Emergent coronary angiogram showed total occlusion of both the proximal right coronary artery (RCA) and the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD). We performed thrombus aspiration and stenting over the LAD with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) III flow to the distal LAD. However, diminishing collateral flow to the distal RCA complicated with complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) and cardiogenic shock developed thereafter. Because distal embolization of the collateral circulation from the LAD to the distal RCA was suspected, thrombus aspiration and stenting over the proximal RCA were performed. After reperfusion of the RCA, the patient's hemodynamic status stabilized and he recovered uneventfully.
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