Acute coronary syndrome due to extrinsic compression of the left main coronary artery in a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension: successful treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention

Cardiovasc Revasc Med. 2008 Jan-Mar;9(1):47-51. doi: 10.1016/j.carrev.2007.07.003.

Abstract

A patient with severe pulmonary (arterial) hypertension (PH) presented with a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and recurrent angina at rest. Coronary angiography showed severe ostial left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis; coronary arteries were otherwise normal. Intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) showed deformation of the LMCA due to extrinsic compression from a markedly dilated main pulmonary artery, which was confirmed by cardiac computed tomography. The LMCA was successfully stented using a paclitaxel-eluting stent resulting in complete resolution of angina. Extrinsic compression of the LMCA should be considered in patients with severe PH and angina; IVUS may aid in the diagnosis. Percutaneous stent implantation may be the preferred treatment in this high-risk group of patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / etiology
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / pathology
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / therapy*
  • Angina Pectoris / etiology
  • Angina Pectoris / therapy
  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary* / instrumentation
  • Cardiovascular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Stenosis / etiology
  • Coronary Stenosis / pathology
  • Coronary Stenosis / therapy*
  • Dilatation, Pathologic
  • Drug-Eluting Stents
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / complications*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / pathology
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Pulmonary Artery / pathology*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional

Substances

  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Paclitaxel