Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Embolic ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Atrial Fibrillation: Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature
Andrew V Doodnauth1, Pratik Mondal2, Safi Afzal3
1Internal Medicine, SUNY Health Science Center, Brooklyn, USA.
Insights
Coronary artery embolism is an underrecognized cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Patients with atrial fibrillation face a higher risk of this serious cardiac event.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is primarily caused by plaque rupture, erosion, thrombosis, and dissection.
- Coronary artery embolism is a significant, yet often overlooked, cause of AMI.
Observation:
- This report details two cases of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) resulting from coronary embolism.
- Both cases involved patients with atrial fibrillation, highlighting a key risk factor.
Findings:
- Atrial fibrillation significantly increases the risk of thromboembolic events in the coronary arteries.
- Clinical characteristics of atrial fibrillation-associated coronary embolism were identified.
Implications:
- Clinicians must recognize coronary embolism as a cause of AMI, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation.
- Awareness of this risk in high-risk populations is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of AMI.
Abstract:
Coronary artery plaque rupture, erosion, thrombosis, and dissection account for nearly all acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, coronary artery embolism remains a significant cause of AMI that is essentially unaccounted for. In this report, we present two cases of acute coronary syndrome caused by coronary embolism. Both cases illustrate that patients with atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk of thromboembolic events of the coronary circulation. We highlight the clinical characteristics of atrial fibrillation associated with coronary embolism and present the therapeutic interventions based on our experience and a review of the literature. Given that AMI is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among adults worldwide, it is imperative that practicing clinicians be aware of coronary embolism as a cause of AMI, particularly in high-risk populations such as those with atrial fibrillation.
More Related Videos
28:13Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
08:10Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias