The patient with acute coronary syndrome, particularly with myocardial infarction, from an unprotected left main coronary stenosis represents one of the highest risk subgroups with mortality exceeding 25-50%. Once a patient develops cardiogenic shock, the risk of death during index hospitalization is exceedingly high. Percutaneous coronary intervention may improve short- and long-term outcome, particularly if performed prior to shock development. Should the patient survive index hospitalization, survival tends to be rather good. This review summarizes current knowledge and proposes a clinical algorithm for evaluation and treatment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keywords: acute coronary syndrome; cardiogenic shock; myocardial infarction; percutaneous coronary intervention; unprotected left main disease.
© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.