Sudden cardiac arrest due to recurrent coronary spasm in a young woman: a case report

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is a pathological condition resulting from transient functional narrowing of the coronary arteries leading to myocardial ischaemia and in some rare cases even to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The most important preventable risk factor is use of tobacco, whereas possible precipitating factors include some medications and psychological stress.

A 32-year-old woman was hospitalized with burning chest pain. The immediate investigations revealed the diagnosis of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, because of ST elevations in one single lead and increased high-sensitivity troponin. Due to ongoing chest pain and a severe impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30% with apical akinesia, a prompt coronary angiography (CAG) was scheduled. After aspirin administration, she developed anaphylaxis with pulseless electrical activity (PEA). She could be resuscitated successfully. CAG revealed multi-vessel CAS for which she received calcium channel blockers. Five days after, she suffered from a second SCA due to ventricular fibrillation and was resuscitated again. Repeated CAG showed no critical coronary artery occlusion. LVEF improved progressively during hospitalization. Drug therapy was increased, and a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was implanted for secondary prevention.

CAS may in some instances lead to SCA, especially in case of multi-vessel involvement. Allergic and anaphylactic events can trigger CAS, which are frequently underestimated. Regardless of the cause, cornerstone of CAS prophylaxes remains optimal medical therapy as in the avoidance of predisposing risk factors. In case of life-threatening arrhythmia, the implantation of an ICD should be considered.