Acute myocardial infarction in a patient with sickle cell trait

Oğuz Akkuş1, Mustafa Topuz2, Ali Deniz3

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Adana Numune Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey.

Insights

Sickle cell trait (HbAS) can rarely cause acute myocardial infarction in young adults. Prompt treatment restored blood flow and relieved symptoms in a recent case.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hematology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Sickle cell trait (HbAS) is generally considered benign.
  • Myocardial infarction (MI) in young adults is uncommon and often associated with traditional risk factors.

Observation:

  • A young adult patient presented with acute inferior myocardial infarction.
  • Coronary angiography revealed microemboli in the circumflex artery.

Findings:

  • Sickle cell trait (HbAS) was identified as the underlying pathology.
  • Treatment with anticoagulant and anti-aggregant therapies successfully restored coronary artery flow.
  • The patient's ST segments normalized, and symptoms resolved.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare but serious complication of HbAS.
  • It underscores the importance of considering HbAS in young MI patients.
  • Early diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes in such cases.

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