Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

34.3K

An uncommon complication of atrial fibrillation

Michael Mallouppas1, Christos Christopoulos1, Will Watson1

  • 1Cardiology Department , Bedford General Hospital , Bedford , UK.

Oxford Medical Case Reports
|August 26, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Coronary embolism, a common cause of heart attack, is often missed. Cardiologists must suspect this diagnosis, especially in patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation, to ensure timely treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Coronary embolism is a significant, yet frequently underdiagnosed, cause of myocardial infarction.
  • Atrial fibrillation is a known risk factor for cardioembolic events.
  • Vigilance for coronary embolism is crucial for cardiologists managing patients with chest pain.

Observation:

  • A 77-year-old male presented with chest pain and newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation.
  • Coronary angiography revealed acute occlusion of the left circumflex artery.
  • Aspiration of a large red thrombus restored coronary blood flow.

Findings:

  • The coronary vessel appeared smooth post-aspiration, with no evidence of plaque rupture or residual lesions.
  • The clinical presentation and angiographic findings strongly suggested a coronary embolus.
  • The source of the embolus was attributed to the patient's new-onset atrial fibrillation.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering coronary embolism in patients with acute coronary syndromes and atrial fibrillation.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention, such as thrombus aspiration, can be effective in restoring coronary blood flow.
  • Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for coronary embolism are essential in clinical practice.

More Related Videos

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

84.7K
Reduction of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defects with an Anterior and Inferior Transseptal Puncture Site when Operating the Cryoballoon Ablation Catheter08:00

Reduction of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defects with an Anterior and Inferior Transseptal Puncture Site when Operating the Cryoballoon Ablation Catheter

Published on: June 15, 2015

14.6K

Related Concept Videos

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
3.5K
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
801
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per...
630
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias01:28

Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias

Tachyarrhythmias are a type of dysrhythmia where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. Here are some common types of tachyarrhythmias:Sinus TachycardiaSinus tachycardia originates from increased impulses from the sinus node, leading to an elevated heart rate. It is often triggered by stress, fever, or exercise.Patients may experience palpitations, a sensation of a racing heart, dizziness, and chest discomfort.Causes and Risk Factors: Common causes include physical exertion, emotional...
727
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
434
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
742