Coronary embolism and calcified aortic valve: is there a correlation?

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2012 Oct;34(3):425-7. doi: 10.1007/s11239-012-0710-1.

Abstract

Coronary artery embolism is an uncommon cause of myocardial infarction. We report a case of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction due to a coronary embolism that originated from a calcified aortic valve. Coronary angiography demonstrated complete occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention was successfully performed, with aspiration of the valve tissue and complete restoration of the coronary artery blood flow. This was followed by aortic valve replacement a few days later.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Valve / pathology
  • Aortic Valve / surgery
  • Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
  • Calcinosis* / complications
  • Calcinosis* / pathology
  • Calcinosis* / surgery
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / etiology
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / pathology
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / surgery
  • Embolism* / pathology
  • Embolism* / surgery
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / complications
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / pathology
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / surgery
  • Heart Valve Diseases* / complications
  • Heart Valve Diseases* / pathology
  • Heart Valve Diseases* / surgery
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction* / etiology
  • Myocardial Infarction* / pathology
  • Myocardial Infarction* / surgery
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention*