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.

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