COVID-19 presenting with myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

• Cardiovascular complications are a major cause of COVID-19 mortality.
• Thrombosis is a known complication of COVID-19, with venous thromboembolism being common.
• Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a recognized cardiac diagnosis.

Observation:

• A case of MINOCA developed in a patient with mild COVID-19 infection.
• The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome.
• Coronary angiography revealed nonobstructive coronary arteries.

Findings:

• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) identified myocardial inflammation and edema consistent with MINOCA.
• The findings suggest a potential link between COVID-19 infection and MINOCA development.
• This case highlights a less common but serious cardiovascular presentation of COVID-19.

Implications:

• COVID-19 should be considered in the differential diagnosis of MINOCA, even with mild symptoms.
• Cardiac MRI is essential for accurate diagnosis and understanding the etiology of MINOCA in the context of COVID-19.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking COVID-19 to MINOCA and inform clinical management.