ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Due to Severe Ostial Left Main Stem Stenosis in a Patient with Syphilitic
Insights
Tertiary syphilis can cause rare but serious heart conditions like syphilitic aortitis, leading to myocardial infarction. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this cardiovascular syphilis manifestation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Tertiary syphilis, though uncommon, is a significant cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- Syphilitic aortitis classically presents with aortic regurgitation, ascending aorta dilation, and ostial coronary artery lesions.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old male presented with acute anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock.
- Echocardiography revealed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, mitral regurgitation, moderate aortic regurgitation, and ascending aorta dilation.
- Coronary angiography identified a critical ostial left main coronary artery stenosis.
Findings:
- The patient underwent urgent stent implantation for the left main stenosis and received an intra-aortic balloon pump.
- Positive syphilitic infection tests confirmed the diagnosis.
- This case highlights syphilitic aortitis presenting acutely as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Implications:
- Syphilitic aortitis can manifest acutely, mimicking other causes of myocardial infarction, necessitating broad diagnostic considerations.
- Percutaneous coronary intervention is a viable treatment for acute syphilitic left main stenosis.
- Long-term follow-up is essential due to the risk of in-stent restenosis from ongoing aortitis.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular manifestations of tertiary syphilis infections are uncommon, but represent an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Syphilitic aortitis is characterized by aortic regurgitation, dilatation of ascending aorta and ostial coronary artery lesions. We report a case of 36 years old man admitted to our hospital for acute anterior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock (hypotension 75/50 mmHg). Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a dilated left ventricle with severe systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction = 25%), severe mitral regurgitation, moderate aortic regurgitation and mildly dilated ascending aorta. Coronary angiography showed a severe ostial lesion of left main coronary artery which was treated by urgent stent implantation and an intra-aortic contrapulsation balloon was implanted. Blood tests for syphilitic infection were positive. The patient was discharged with treatment including benzathine penicillin. In our case, we present an acute manifestation of a syphilitic ostial left main stenosis treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction. Long term follow-up of the patient is crucial as a result of potential rapid in-stent restenosis caused by continuous infection of the ascending aorta. This case is particular because it shows that syphilitic aortitis can be diagnosed in acute settings, like ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis I: Introduction


