Acute Myocardial Infarction Secondary to Paradoxical Embolism

• Main Authors: Abdullah R Alenezi, Muath Alanbaei, Islam Abouelenein
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SMC MEDIA SRL 2020-10-01
• Series: European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
• Subjects: coronary artery; embolism; myocardial infarction; paradoxical embolism
• Online Access: https://www.ejcrim.com/index.php/EJCRIM/article/view/1951

Patent foramen ovale is a risk factor for systemic embolic events such as cryptogenic stroke. Far less commonly, patent foramen ovale is associated with non-cerebral systemic embolic events. Paradoxical coronary artery embolism is a rare and underdiagnosed cause of acute myocardial infarction. It should be considered in patients presenting with myocardial infarction and an otherwise low-risk profile for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. We describe a case of paradoxical coronary artery embolism causing ST elevation myocardial infarction. Echocardiography demonstrated patent foramen ovale with a significant shunt. In addition to the treatment of the acute coronary event, patent foramen ovale closure was performed to prevent recurrent paradoxical embolic events.