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Published on: February 16, 2011
Protein C Deficiency Causing Recurrent Myocardial Infarction in a Young Male
A W Chowdhury1, M A Saleh, P Hasan
1Dr Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, Professor & Head, Department of Cardiology, Dhaka Medical College & Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh;
Insights
Protein C deficiency, a rare cause of arterial thrombosis, can lead to myocardial infarction even without traditional risk factors. Early suspicion is crucial for diagnosing this life-threatening condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Genetics
Background:
- Protein C is a critical anticoagulant, and its deficiency typically causes venous thrombosis.
- Arterial thrombosis, such as myocardial infarction, is rarely associated with Protein C deficiency.
- Traditional risk factors for myocardial infarction were absent in the reported case.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of myocardial infarction caused by Protein C deficiency in a young male.
- To highlight the importance of considering Protein C deficiency in arterial thrombosis, especially when conventional risk factors are absent.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 38-year-old male admitted to the coronary care unit.
- Diagnostic workup for recurrent myocardial infarction.
- Genetic testing for Protein C deficiency.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced recurrent myocardial infarction despite controlled traditional risk factors.
- Protein C deficiency was diagnosed as the underlying cause.
- This highlights a rare presentation of Protein C deficiency associated with arterial thrombosis.
Conclusions:
- Protein C deficiency can manifest as severe arterial thrombosis, including myocardial infarction.
- A high index of suspicion for Protein C deficiency is warranted in cases of arterial thrombosis lacking typical risk factors.
- Early diagnosis and management of Protein C deficiency are essential to prevent life-threatening thrombotic events.
Abstract:
Protein C is one of the most important factors that prevent blood from clotting. Protein C deficiency usually leads to venous thrombosis. We intend to report a male of 38 years admitted in coronary care unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, who suffered recurrent episodes of myocardial infarction, whose traditional risk factors were well controlled. Ultimately he was diagnosed with protein C deficiency, which is not commonly implicated in arterial thrombosis. Protein C deficiency can rarely cause severe life threatening arterial thrombosis, like myocardial infarction. Many more cases are reported in recent literature. It can happen sporadically. A high degree of suspicion should be maintained if traditional risk factors are absent in instances of arterial thrombosis, to look for protein C deficiency.
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