Acute coronary syndrome caused by left main coronary artery compression between the aortic root and massive dilation
1Department of Cardiology, Xiamen Heart Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Pulmonary artery dilation can compress the left main artery, mimicking stenosis. This case highlights an enlarged left atrium causing external compression, successfully treated with stenting.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Left main coronary artery compression is a rare condition.
- Common causes include pulmonary artery dilation.
- Treatment options include percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or surgery.
Observation:
- A 78-year-old male presented with exertional chest pain and dyspnea.
- Coronary angiography showed ostial left main artery stenosis.
- Intravascular ultrasound revealed external compression, not atherosclerotic plaque.
Findings:
- 64-slice multidetector coronary computed tomography identified an enlarged left atrium as the source of compression.
- The patient underwent successful stenting of the left main artery lesion.
- The patient remained asymptomatic with no signs of coronary insufficiency at 18-month follow-up.
Implications:
- This case expands the differential diagnosis of left main artery compression.
- It underscores the utility of advanced imaging in identifying non-atherosclerotic causes.
- Successful stenting offers a viable treatment option for left main compression by an enlarged left atrium.
Abstract:
Left main compression by pulmonary artery dilation has been reported previously. Percutaneous or surgical interventions are treatment options. We report on a 78-year-old man with exertional chest pain and dyspnea. Coronary angiography revealed significant ostial left main artery stenosis. Intravascular ultrasound showed no atherosclerotic plaque but did reveal a rhythmic external compression between the aortic root and another lucent structure. The patient underwent successful stenting of the lesion. Subsequently, 64-slice multidetector coronary computed tomography found the source of compression to be an enlarged left atrium. The patient remains free of coronary insufficiency after 18 months of follow-up.
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