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Recurrent ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction from Norepinephrine-induced Coronary Vasospasm
Raed Qarajeh1, Annapoorna Singh1, Yevgeniy Khariton2
1Internal Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, USA.
Insights
Myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary atherosclerosis (MINOCA) can be triggered by norepinephrine-induced coronary vasospasm. This case highlights a rare cause of MINOCA, emphasizing vasospasm
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary atherosclerosis (MINOCA) is defined by myocardial infarction evidence and normal coronary arteries.
- Coronary artery spasm, often termed "variant angina," typically affects localized epicardial artery segments.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old male experienced ST elevation myocardial infarction on two separate hospital admissions.
- The myocardial infarction events were linked to norepinephrine administration.
Findings:
- The patient presented with ST elevation myocardial infarction despite having normal coronary arteries on angiography.
- Norepinephrine administration was identified as the trigger for coronary vasospasm leading to MINOCA.
Implications:
- This case underscores coronary vasospasm as a potential cause of MINOCA, even when induced by medications like norepinephrine.
- Recognizing drug-induced vasospasm is crucial for diagnosing and managing MINOCA patients.
- Further research into medication-induced coronary vasospasm in MINOCA is warranted.
Abstract:
Myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary atherosclerosis (MINOCA) is a distinct clinical syndrome characterized by evidence of myocardial infarction with normal or near-normal coronary arteries on angiography (stenosis severity < 50%). Coronary artery spasm, as seen in "variant angina," usually occurs at a localized segment of an epicardial artery. Here, we present a case of a 58-year-old male who had norepinephrine-induced coronary vasospasm which resulted in ST elevation myocardial infarction on two consecutive admissions.
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