Acute myocardial infarction in an untreated patient with acute myeloid leukemia

Acute leukemia, particularly AML, is closely associated with thrombotic events, driven by complex factors like coagulation system changes, endothelial dysfunction, and leukemic cell interactions with the vascular system. Certain chemotherapy drugs can exacerbate the prothrombotic state. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective thromboprophylaxis in carefully selected patients with leukemia.

Thrombosis is a significant complication of acute leukemia. Thrombotic events mostly occur at diagnosis or during induction therapy. Here we report the occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI) before initiation of therapy, in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia not otherwise specified (AML NOS) who had no other significant risk factors for coronary artery disease. The occurrence of MI in this patient limited the choice of induction therapy and resulted in mortality. We discuss the pathogenesis and risk factors associated with increased thrombosis in AML and advocate for risk-adapted thromboprophylaxis in this patient population.