DOI: 10.12890/2020_001951

Acute Myocardial Infarction Secondary to Paradoxical Embolism

Authors

  • Abdullah R Alenezi Department of Cardiology, Chest Diseases Hospital, Kuwait City, Kuwait
  • Muath Alanbaei Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
  • Islam Abouelenein Department of Cardiology, Chest Diseases Hospital, Kuwait City, Kuwait

drislamaboelenin@gmail.com

Keywords

Coronary artery, embolism, myocardial infarction, paradoxical embolism

Abstract

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.

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References

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Published

2020-10-05

How to Cite

1.
Alenezi AR, Alanbaei M, Abouelenein I. Acute Myocardial Infarction Secondary to Paradoxical Embolism. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2020 Oct. 5 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];7(12). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/1951