Arterial Thrombus in a Protein C Deficient Patient

Protein C is a Vitamin K derivative that plays an essential role in anticoagulation. Protein C deactivates clotting factors Va and VIIIa; therefore, a deficiency in this protein leads to over expression and activation of these factors and essentially a hypercoagulable, prothrombotic state. Although studies have shown that the cardinal manifestation of protein C deficiency is venous thromboembolism, we present a case of a patient in his third decade with a myocardial infarction on a background of protein C deficiency and minimal cardiovascular risk factors. Similar cases of patients presenting with arterial thrombus on background of protein C deficiency have been reported; therefore, it is imperative to acknowledge protein C deficiency as a possible cause of acute, premature myocardial infarctions in young patients with minimal or no risk for cardiovascular disease.