Calcific embolus resulting in ST elevation myocardial infarction: A rare complication of mitral annular calcification

Coronary embolism is an uncommon mechanism of myocardial infarction in comparison with atherosclerotic plaque rupture. We present a unique case of an anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction as a result of coronary embolism, the source of which appears to be calcific debris from mitral annular calcification (MAC). Although embolic phenomena in the setting of MAC has been documented previously, particularly in the setting of acute ischemic stroke, to our knowledge this is the first reported case in the literature where MAC alone appears to have resulted in a coronary embolic event. <Learning objective: Myocardial infarction as the result of embolic coronary phenomena is uncommon. Thrombotic emboli in the setting of atrial fibrillation, paradoxical emboli in the setting of structural heart defects, and cardiac masses are among the most common causes of coronary embolism. We make the argument that debris from mitral annular calcification may also serve as an uncommon mechanism of embolic phenomena.>.