Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2025

Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
Published on: August 18, 2016
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Due to Coronary Vasospasm Associated with Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with
Christopher Allen1, Christopher Poyorena1, Lauren B Querin1,2
1Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Insights
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) can cause ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to coronary artery vasospasm (CAV). Prompt diagnosis and treatment of CAV in EGPA patients are crucial for managing STEMI.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can arise from coronary artery vasospasm (CAV), a rare complication of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).
- EGPA is a systemic vasculitis that can affect multiple organs, including the coronary arteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of STEMI caused by coronary artery vasospasm in a patient with known EGPA.
- To discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of STEMI secondary to CAV in the context of EGPA.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 54-year-old male with EGPA and coronary artery disease presenting with inferior STEMI.
- Coronary angiography revealed a vasospastic lesion treated with intra-coronary nitroglycerin and calcium channel blockers.
- Continued immunosuppressive therapy (prednisone, mepolizumab) for EGPA management.
Main Results:
- Successful treatment of the vasospastic lesion and STEMI.
- Resolution of symptoms with ongoing medical management for both EGPA and vasospastic angina.
- Demonstration of a rare but significant association between EGPA and coronary artery vasospasm.
Conclusions:
- Coronary artery vasospasm is a critical consideration in EGPA patients presenting with STEMI.
- Multidisciplinary management involving cardiology and rheumatology is essential for optimal patient outcomes.
- Highlighting the importance of recognizing and treating rare manifestations of EGPA.
Introduction:
ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can be caused by underlying coronary artery vasospasm (CAV) with or without associated atherosclerotic disease. Coronary artery vasospasm is a rare but potentially devastating manifestation of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).
Case Report:
We describe a 54-year-old male with a known history of EGPA and coronary artery disease presenting to the emergency department with chest pain and an inferior STEMI on electrocardiogram. He was ultimately taken for coronary angiography and found to have a discrete vasospastic lesion in the right coronary artery that was treated with intra-coronary nitroglycerin and calcium channel blockers. He was continued on immunosuppressant agents (prednisone and mepolizumab) for management of EGPA and followed up with outpatient cardiology and rheumatology for vasospastic angina.
Conclusion:
This case highlights a rare cause of STEMI, discusses the nuances in treatment of STEMI due to CAV, and provides background on pathophysiology and treatment of EGPA.
More Related Videos
10:28Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
18:11A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
Published on: December 28, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Allergic Reactions
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...