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Published on: April 25, 2014
Acute Infarction Due to Extrinsic Coronary Compression by Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm Following Endocarditis
Lars Niclauss1, Mario Verdugo1, Matthaios Papadimitriou Olivgeris2
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne CH-1011, Switzerland.
Insights
Extrinsic coronary compression from a pseudoaneurysm is a rare but serious condition. Early imaging and prompt surgical intervention are crucial for survival in patients with myocardial ischemia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Extrinsic coronary compression is a rare condition with severe consequences.
- A patient with a history of aortic valve endocarditis and septal abscess repair developed myocardial infarction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of extrinsic coronary compression caused by a pseudoaneurysm.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and management of this rare condition.
- To emphasize the importance of early imaging and surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan for anatomical assessment.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for functional evaluation of myocardial perfusion.
- Surgical reoperation for decompression and repair.
Main Results:
- CT revealed left main stem compression due to a pseudoaneurysm under a surgical patch.
- PET confirmed acute left ventricular hypoperfusion.
- High-risk reoperation was performed, leading to recovery.
- One-year follow-up showed complete thrombosis of the abscess cavity.
Conclusions:
- Extrinsic coronary compression from abscess/pseudoaneurysm carries a high mortality rate.
- Surgical treatment is the primary life-saving option.
- Early quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging is recommended for unclear cardiac symptoms suggesting extrinsic coronary compression to determine surgical urgency.
Abstract:
Extrinsic coronary compression is rare, difficult to diagnose, and can have serious consequences. A patient who had surgery for aortic valve endocarditis with patch closure of a septal abscess was readmitted for myocardial infarction. CT scan revealed compression of the left main stem due to pseudoaneurysm formation under the patch. Positron emission tomography confirmed acute hypoperfusion of the left ventricle, making immediate high-risk reoperation unavoidable. Imaging of the patient at one-year follow-up showed complete thrombosis of the former abscess cavity. Extrinsic coronary compression due to an abscess/pseudoaneurysm is associated with a high mortality rate and surgery appears to be the only possible life-saving treatment. In cases of unclear cardiac symptoms occurring under these circumstances (and thus suggesting extrinsic coronary compression), early imaging for quantitative myocardial perfusion should be considered to assess severity of myocardial ischaemia and thus urgency of surgery.
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