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.

Cureus
|June 6, 2022
PubMed

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.

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