Two days later,
the patient developed an inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial
infarction and the repeated percutaneous coronary intervention via the
same vascular access revealed a subocclusion of the previously normal
mid–right coronary artery (Figure 1B, black arrow). Intravascular
optical coherence tomography confirmed the angiographic suspicion of
focal vasospasm (Figure 1C), showing a concentric narrowing without
atherosclerosis, dissection, or thrombus.
After ineffective intracoronary nitroglycerin and verapamil injection, balloon angioplasty without stenting permitted the resolution of spasm and the alleviation of symptoms. Although drug tests were negative, the patient admitted occasional consumption of cocaine and methylamphetamine. He was discharged on oral calcium-channel blocker and dual antiplatelet therapy and the cardiac rehabilitation was uneventful.
Three months later he developed severe right hand ischemia due to extensive spastic and thrombotic occlusions of the forearm and finger arteries (Figure 1D, black arrows) refractory to vasodilators, fibrinolytic agents, and endovascular revascularization. Despite fasciotomy (Figure 1E), transradial amputation was required due to extensive necrosis. The vascular histology showed an intimal mononuclear infiltration. A cocaine-associated thromboangiitis obliterans was retained as final diagnosis.
As showed in our case, the cocaine-derived cardiovascular risks are present not only in the consumption period but could occur weeks or months later and should be considered as risk factors for dramatic outcomes.
Reference :
JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions
Volume 10, Issue 2, January 2017
After ineffective intracoronary nitroglycerin and verapamil injection, balloon angioplasty without stenting permitted the resolution of spasm and the alleviation of symptoms. Although drug tests were negative, the patient admitted occasional consumption of cocaine and methylamphetamine. He was discharged on oral calcium-channel blocker and dual antiplatelet therapy and the cardiac rehabilitation was uneventful.
Three months later he developed severe right hand ischemia due to extensive spastic and thrombotic occlusions of the forearm and finger arteries (Figure 1D, black arrows) refractory to vasodilators, fibrinolytic agents, and endovascular revascularization. Despite fasciotomy (Figure 1E), transradial amputation was required due to extensive necrosis. The vascular histology showed an intimal mononuclear infiltration. A cocaine-associated thromboangiitis obliterans was retained as final diagnosis.
As showed in our case, the cocaine-derived cardiovascular risks are present not only in the consumption period but could occur weeks or months later and should be considered as risk factors for dramatic outcomes.
Reference :
JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions
Volume 10, Issue 2, January 2017
