Dual coronary embolization associated with atrial fibrillation: a case report

• Published in: STEMedicine Vol. 2; no. 8; p. e99
• Main Authors: Yuan, Yonggang, Xu, Zesheng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Innovation Publishing House Pte. Ltd 09.09.2021
• Subjects: Acute myocardial infarction; Atrial fibrillation; Embolization; Thrombolytic treatment
• ISSN: 2705-1188; 2705-1188
• DOI: 10.37175/stemedicine.v2i8.99

Background: Thrombotic occlusion of the coronary artery, which succeeds the atherosclerotic plaquerupture or erosion, gives rise to a major portion of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) incidences.Nevertheless, coronary embolism is gaining increasing recognition as another important factor contributingto AMI. Case presentation: A 72-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus histories,presented with chest pain radiating to the left arm and shoulder that began 6 hours prior to admission.Electrocardiogram revealed AF plus ST-segment elevation in the anterior leads.Intervention: Patient was first treated with anti-platelet agents (aspirin plus ticagrelor) and atorvastatin.Emergency coronary angiography depicted multi-site coronary embolization of the left circumflex artery(LCX) and the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Blood flow was not restored after intracoronaryinjection of 600 ug tirofiban. 40 mg recombinant human prourokinase was then administered via aspirationthrombectomy catheter. Outcome: Two weeks later, coronary angiography showed no residual obstructive lesion in the LCX andLAD with TIMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction) 3 flow. Conclusion: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is the most effective measure. In the case offailed blood flow restoration, thrombolytic treatment in both intravenous and intracoronary route should beconsidered.