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Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction hiding behind myopericarditis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Howard Freeman1, Katherine Lutz2, Patricio Riquelme2
1Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA freeman.howie@gmail.com.
Insights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients face a high risk of heart attack. Early evaluation for cardiovascular disease is vital, even in younger patients without traditional risk factors, for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with significant cardiovascular complications.
- Cardiac manifestations in SLE commonly include pericarditis, but also a substantially increased risk of premature atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Observation:
- A 39-year-old male with newly diagnosed SLE presented with acute myopericarditis and pericardial tamponade.
- Following initial presentation, the patient developed an infero-septal non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
Findings:
- Percutaneous coronary intervention revealed a 100% occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery (RCA).
- Two overlapping drug-eluting stents were successfully deployed to the proximal-mid RCA, restoring blood flow.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical need for comprehensive cardiovascular assessment in SLE patients, irrespective of age or traditional risk factors.
- Prompt recognition and management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are essential for improving outcomes in patients with SLE.
Abstract:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory condition with various cardiovascular sequelae. Pericarditis is the most common cardiac manifestation, yet patients also have a markedly elevated risk of premature atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This makes the diagnosis of ischaemic chest pain both challenging and crucial in these patients. Here, we examine the case of a 39-year-old male who presented with acute myopericarditis and pericardial tamponade in the setting of newly diagnosed SLE. Several days later, the patient experienced an infero-septal non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Urgent percutaneous coronary intervention showed 100% proximal right coronary artery (RCA) occlusion with subsequent placement of two overlapping drug-eluting stents to the proximal-mid RCA. This case illustrates the need to carefully evaluate patients with SLE for underlying cardiovascular disease regardless of age or the presence of tradition risk factors. Recognition of the increased incidence of ACS in SLE patients is crucial for early diagnosis and revascularisation.
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