Posttraumatic myocardial infarction with severe coronary intimal dissection documented by intravascular ultrasound

We present a case of posttraumatic myocardial infarction after blunt chest trauma in a previously healthy man. Coronary angiography showed an eccentric occlusion in the midportion of the left anterior descending artery. Subsequent intracoronary ultrasound imaging revealed a severe intimal dissection. The outcome after intracoronary stent placement was excellent. This rare but potentially harmful complication of blunt chest trauma should be kept in mind and coronary angiography performed immediately when coronary occlusion is suspected. Intravascular ultrasound imaging is a helpful tool in the assessment of coronary artery occlusion caused by intimal dissection.     

A PATHY I S N OT W ELCOME H ERE

Abstract

A 41-year-old motocross rider sustained blunt trauma to the chest following a collision with another rider. He was initially hypoxic and was given oxygen with a non-rebreather mask. He complained of chest pain. A prehospital extended focused assessment with sonography in trauma (eFAST) scan was negative for pneumothorax, but demonstrated a hypokinetic left ventricle. An electrocardiogram (ECG) in the emergency department confirmed anterior myocardial infarction, found to be due to a traumatic left anterior descending coronary artery dissection. This case highlights a rare but life-threatening cause of hypoxia in blunt chest trauma.     

Delayed diagnosis of post-traumatic acute myocardial infarction complicated by congestive heart failure

A 53-year-old man experienced persistent chest pain followed by slight shortness of breath after being hit in the chest by a stranger. Chest X-ray study showed no rib fractures but electrocardiography indicated acute anterior wall myocardial infarction. Echocardiography revealed akinesia in both the interventricular septum and anterior left ventricular wall. Emergency cardiac catheterization demonstrated total occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery, 9 h after the event. He was successfully treated with coronary angioplasty and stenting procedures. However, poor left ventricular function was observed 3 months after the event despite medications. We conclude that evaluation for possible myocardial injury should be considered soon after blunt chest trauma for early treatment to improve prognosis.     

Rupture of the coronary artery after blunt nonpenetrating chest wall trauma detected by color Doppler echocardiography: a case report.

We report a rare case of a ruptured papillary muscle of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve and the rupture of the septal branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery with drainage into the right ventricle after blunt nonpenetrating chest wall trauma. Both abnormalities were detected by transthoracic 2-dimensional and color Doppler echocardiography, and the septal branch rupture was confirmed by coronary angiography. The leading echocardiographic sign of the rupture of the coronary artery was intramyocardial mosaic-colored flow, representing the turbulent high-velocity flow in the ruptured coronary artery. Hypokinesis of the anteroseptal myocardial segments and the presence of Q waves in leads V1 through 4 on the electro-cardiogram were suggestive of anteroseptal myocardial infarction. We conclude that the history of chest trauma, the electrocardiographic changes, and wall motion abnormalities should be stimuli for a careful color Doppler flow "mapping" of the myocardium for possible identification of a coronary artery rupture.     

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection causing acute coronary syndrome: an early diagnosis implies a good prognosis

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an unusual cause of acute coronary syndrome. We describe a series of cases that with an early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, which includes percutaneous angioplasty with stent implantation and cardiac surgery, had a good outcome. The objective was to study the demographic characteristics, clinical settings, treatments, and inhospital course of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection. We studied a retrospective case series in 3 coronary care units in third-level university hospitals. The spontaneous coronary artery dissection diagnosis was made by coronary angiography. Seven cases of spontaneous coronary artery dissections were recorded. They were 5 women and 2 men. The age range was 28 to 64 years. Two of them took oral contraceptives and one case occurred in the postpartum period. An acute anterior wall myocardial infarction was the most frequent clinical presentation, occurring in 4 of the 7 cases. In fact, the left anterior descending artery was involved in 6 cases. An urgent coronary angiogram was performed in all cases. Definitive treatment included percutaneous angioplasty and stent implantation in 3 cases, coronary artery bypass surgery in 2 case, and cardiac transplantation in another case. One patient was treated medically. None of the patients died in the hospital. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection remains an unusual cause of acute coronary syndrome. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, especially when it affects young, healthy females. An early clinical suspicion and diagnosis with urgent coronary angiography and aggressive treatment that includes percutaneous angioplasty with stent implantation and cardiac surgery could improve the prognosis of these patients.     

Coronary artery occlusion following blunt chest trauma: a case report and review of the literature

Blunt chest trauma causing coronary artery occlusion and myocardial infarction is a rare but potentially fatal condition. We present the case of a healthy 29-year-old man who developed a myocardial infarction due to complete occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery following blunt chest trauma. A review of the literature found 63 cases of previously healthy patients under 40 years of age who developed coronary artery occlusion following blunt chest trauma; diagnosis in all cases had been proven by angiography or during autopsy. The presentation, results of electrocardiography and echocardiography and laboratory findings of these patients are described.     

MRI demonstration of acute myocardial infarction due to posttraumatic coronary artery dissection

A case of left ventricular lateral wall myocardial infarction in the distribution of circumflex coronary artery (LCX) was demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging in a 55-year-old woman. Dissection of the proximal LCX due to blunt chest trauma was followed by percutaneous coronary artery stenting. MR (magnetic resonance) imaging of myocardial infarction is reviewed.     

Large atherosclerotic plaque related severe right coronary artery dissection during coronary angiography

Catheter-induced coronary artery dissection and occlusion is a rare but serious complication of diagnostic cardiac angiography. A 50 year-old man presented with unstable angina. ECG, exceptional of bradycardia, was normal (57 beat/min). Selective coronary angiography demonstrated 98% narrowing in the mid-portion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). During the right coronary angiography, following catheter manipulation in the vicinity of the aortic valve, the patient complained of severe chest discomfort, and he had electrocardiographic evidence of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction. Right coronary artery (RCA) was free of the significant obstruction, and it was observed to be having a dominant artery with a spiral dissection (NHLBI Grade IV) located between ostium and the proximal portion of the posterior descending and posterolateral artery bifurcation. The patient was immediately operated with off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Consequently, iatrogenic right coronary dissection that is a very rare condition as a cause of myocardial infarction, is discussed in this case report.     

Case of the month: Right coronary artery dissection following sports-related blunt trauma

Coronary artery dissection is a rare life-threatening complication resulting from blunt traumatic injury. Most cases of coronary artery injury, including dissection, involve the left anterior descending artery given its anatomical location relative to the impact. Right coronary artery (RCA) dissection secondary to blunt trauma is a particularly unusual occurrence, and has not previously been reported in the emergency medicine literature. We present a case of RCA dissection following low impact sport-related blunt chest trauma and discuss the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and current treatment options.     

Tako-tsubo-like left ventricular dysfunction with ST-segment elevation after central spinal cord injury: a case report

The etiology of a novel cardiac syndrome called "tako-tsubo" cardiomyopathy, otherwise known as "acute onset and reversible left ventricular apical wall motion abnormality (ballooning)," is very similar to that of acute myocardial infarction; however, it may also be associated with emotional or physical stress. We report a case of tako-tsubo-like left ventricular dysfunction with ST-segment elevation after trauma. A 69-year-old man was transferred to our hospital after a fall in which he injured his back. He was diagnosed with a central spinal cord injury and was admitted to our Intensive Care Unit. He complained of a sudden chest pain 12 h after the injury. ST-segment elevation was observed on the electrocardiographic monitor, and subsequent 12-lead electrocardiogram demonstrated ST-segment elevation in leads V(2) through V(5). We considered acute myocardial infarction or cardiac contusion to be the cause of this event; therefore, an emergency coronary angiography was performed. However, the angiography revealed no significant coronary artery stenosis. Furthermore, left ventriculography demonstrated severe hypokinesis of the left ventricular apical region, consistent with tako-tsubo-like left ventricular dysfunction. The patient's cardiac function improved gradually, and he was discharged from our hospital on the 18(th) day after admission. Physicians should recognize the syndrome of tako-tsubo-like left ventricular dysfunction, which may result from traumatic stress or chest injury.     

Case of the month: Right coronary artery dissection following sports‐related blunt trauma

Coronary artery dissection is a rare life‐threatening complication resulting from blunt traumatic injury. Most cases of coronary artery injury, including dissection, involve the left anterior descending artery given its anatomical location relative to the impact. Right coronary artery (RCA) dissection secondary to blunt trauma is a particularly unusual occurrence, and has not previously been reported in the emergency medicine literature. We present a case of RCA dissection following low impact sport‐related blunt chest trauma and discuss the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and current treatment options.     

组织谐波成像在急性心肌梗死诊断中的应用--与冠状动脉造影对照研究

目的 探讨组织谐波成像(THI)技术在急性心肌梗死诊断中的应用价值。方法 分析经THI及冠状动脉造影检查的101例急性心肌梗死患者的临床资料。结果 图像满意和较满意率达96．0％。THI对急性心肌梗死检出率为91．1％。THI与心电图估测心肌梗死部位及范围基本一致。THI估测心肌梗死部位与冠状动脉造影所示梗死相关动脉供血区域基本相符(准确率87．1％)，其中以检出左前降支病变所致心肌梗死的准确率最高(96．8％)；下壁、后壁或右室梗死常合并其他部位心肌梗死，较易漏诊。结论 THI是检测急性心肌梗死敏感而准确的方法，可与心电图相互印证、相互补充。检查中应特别注意有无合并下壁、后壁或右室梗死，以免漏诊。     

Left atrial dissection: pathogenesis, clinical course, and transesophageal echocardiographic recognition.

Left atrial dissection is an uncommon entity. It is generally associated with mitral valve replacement, but other predisposing factors should be considered in pathogenesis. We discuss a series of 11 patients with pathologically confirmed left atrial dissection who had been diagnosed previously by transesophageal echocardiography. Predisposing factors and surgical or pathologic findings were reviewed to identify the pathogenic mechanism and to explain the clinical course, hemodynamic disorder, and echocardiographic features. Dissection of the coronary sinus secondary to retrograde cardioplegia, endocarditis, cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction, and blunt chest trauma also could be related to its development. Transesophageal echocardiography identified a mobile intimal flap of the atrial wall that was creating a false chamber and allowed accurate diagnosis of prosthetic mitral valve function, endocarditis complications, and a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm after acute myocardial infarction. Color flow Doppler was particularly useful in identifying complications: communication between the false chamber and true left atria, permitting mitral regurgitation through the periannular route; development of atrial shunts; and severe tricuspid regurgitation caused by disruption of the anterior papillary muscle.     

Traumatic Coronary Artery Dissection: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Coronary artery dissection after blunt chest trauma is a rare, life-threatening condition. Objectives: To present a case of coronary artery dissection after blunt chest trauma and to outline the appropriate management of this condition based on a literature review. Case Report: We report the case of a 50-year-old woman with traumatic coronary artery dissection after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. She presented to the Emergency Department via ambulance within a few hours of the collision, and her clinical condition deteriorated rapidly. A 12-lead electrocardiogram on arrival demonstrated anterolateral ST-segment elevation. The patient was intubated due to hypoxemic respiratory failure and she required inotropes for blood pressure support. Computed tomography imaging revealed pulmonary edema and right third and fourth rib fractures. Emergent angiography demonstrated dissection of her left main coronary artery, requiring placement of a stent. Conclusion: Early recognition of this clinical entity with a screening electrocardiogram, and aggressive management, may result in a favorable outcome. A literature review reveals that coronary artery bypass grafting, angiography with stent placement, and conservative management may all be considered viable treatment options for this condition.     

Traumatic coronary artery fistula

Objective: To present a case of traumatic coronary artery fistula caused by blunt injury. Clinical features: A previously healthy 20-year-old motor cyclist was involved in a motor vehicle accident. He suffered acute myocardial infarction secondary to a traumatic coronary artery fistula (CAF). His other injuries included a fractured left clavicle, bilateral small pulmonary contusions and pneumothoraces, pneum-omediastinum and a small subcapsular haematoma of the liver. Intervention and outcome: He was managed conservatively. Recovery was complicated only by pericarditis and he was well one year after the injury. Conclusion: Traumatic CAF may result from blunt chest trauma and may be diagnosed from history, physical examination, and ECG changes. An echocardiogram should be performed in patients with positive ECG findings or the development of a new continuous murmur. Coronary angiography remains the gold standard but is rarely indicated in the acute situation. Regular follow up is required as traumatic CAF has a high incidence of late complications. With symptomatic CAF, the recommended treatment of surgical repair has a high success rate with few complications.     

Effective Myocardial Salvage with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Late Diagnosed Acute Post-Traumatic ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background: Acute post-traumatic ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is rare but potentially disastrous in patients with blunt cardiac injury. Sometimes the diagnosis is delayed. Failed myocardial salvage by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 9 h after the onset of post-traumatic STEMI has been described. Objective: We present a case report of a patient in whom effective myocardial salvage with PCI was obtained in a late diagnosed acute post-traumatic STEMI. Case Report: We report the case of a young man who was involved in a motorcycle crash, who had a delayed diagnosis of post-traumatic STEMI. Diagnostic coronary angiography was performed to guide treatment strategy. An occluded left anterior descending artery due to a dissection, and an intimal flap at the first diagonal branch were found. A PCI was done 18 h after the onset of the event with striking and immediate improvement of the regional left ventricular wall motion and ejection fraction. Conclusion: After blunt thoracic injury, there is the possibility of an acute post-traumatic STEMI being present when facing a patient with clues of blunt cardiac injury. If the diagnosis of acute post-traumatic STEMI is clinically strong, the patient should be managed individually according to the clinical scenario. Early recognition and prompt management are vital when dealing with patients suffering post-traumatic STEMI.     

组织多普勒成像对冠状动脉痉挛引超急性心肌梗塞室壁运动频谱的研究

目的：应用组织多普勒成像对冠状动态（冠脉）痉挛引起急性心肌梗塞检测的临床应用价值。方法：应用组织多普勒成像脉冲技术检测20例冠脉痉挛引起急性心肌梗塞患者左室心尖部和前壁基底段、中段和心尖段的心肌运动,测量收缩期、舒张早期和舒张晚期运动峰值主时间速度积分并与19例健康成人对照分析。结果：冠脉痉挛梗塞组心尖部及前壁中段、心尖段的收缩波、舒张早期波峰值速度及时间速度积分明显低于对照组（P＜0．01）。舒张晚期波及前壁基底段各测值两组相差不显著（P＞0．05）。结论：组织多普勒成像脉冲技术能够准确测定心肌局部收缩和舒张运动速度,对冠脉痉挛引起急性心肌梗塞检测提供一种定量的方法。     

老年急性前壁心肌梗死患者心脏瓣膜钙化与冠脉病变的关系

目的探讨老年急性前壁心肌梗死患者心脏瓣膜钙化与冠状动脉病变的关系。方法采用回顾性研究方法,选取2007年1月至2017年12月首都医科大学附属北京友谊医院收治的行急诊冠脉造影的急性前壁心肌梗死的老年患者453例,分析其心脏瓣膜钙化情况,根据是否存在心脏瓣膜钙化分为钙化组和无钙化组,比较两组患者的一般资料和基础疾病、实验室指标、冠脉病变程度,分析心脏瓣膜钙化的相关影响因素。结果心脏瓣膜钙化组的年龄(71岁vs.66岁)、女性比率(49.43%vs.40.79%)、入院收缩压、空腹血糖水平、高敏感C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)水平(7.13±9.03 mg/L vs.5.56±7.86 mg/L)、氨基末端脑钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)水平(1375.47±3682.90 ng/dl vs.642.99±1126.98 ng/dl)明显高于无心脏瓣膜钙化组。心脏瓣膜钙化组的冠脉完全闭塞比率(23.86%vs.15.88%)、三支血管或左主干病变比率(54.55%vs.41.88%)明显高于无心脏瓣膜钙化组。Logistic回归分析显示,年龄、入院收缩压水平、空腹血糖水平、冠脉完全闭塞比例、三支血管或左主干病变与心脏瓣膜钙化独立相关。结论对于老年急性前壁心肌梗死患者,心脏瓣膜钙化与冠脉病变程度独立相关,与冠心病的部分危险因素也相关。     

冠状动脉心肌桥的诊断及临床意义

目的探讨冠状动脉心肌桥的诊断以及临床意义.方法对486例行冠状动脉造影(CAG)检查资料进行了回顾性分析.结果共检出13例心肌桥,检出率为2.67%;其中位于左前降支(LAD)12例,左回旋支(LCX)1例;合并冠状动脉粥样硬化症2例;临床表现急性心肌梗死1例,心绞痛4例.结论冠脉造影是冠状动脉心肌桥的特异性诊断方式;局部冠状动脉收缩期狭窄是心肌桥的主要征象;心肌桥患者多数无临床症状,严重者可致心绞痛甚至心肌梗死.     

Myocardial calcification and subendocardial fatty replacement of the left ventricle following myocardial infarction

We report a 70 years old man with old myocardial infarction of the anteroseptal wall. He had an acute anterior myocardial infarction ten years ago and coronary angiography showed a total occlusion of the left middle anterior descending coronary artery. He underwent a multidetector cardiac computed tomography for rule out another coronary stenosis before the surgery of a postrenal aortic aneurysm. The unenhanced computed tomography image realized for the quantification of the coronary calcium reveals a low-attenuation curvilinear stripe consistent with subendocardial fat at the anterior ventricular wall and a curvilinear focal apical left ventricular calcification. In this case without a precontrast CT the subendocardial fat could have been misinterpreted , leading us to conclude that a hypoenhancement area (perfusion defect) secondary from the reduced delivery of contrast in the subendocardium was present. The presence of calcium in the myocardium can make not trustworthy the estimation of the size of the infarct and the presence or absence of viability in the same one especially when it is realized by means of magnetic resonance.