Case report Acute coronary syndrome following massive pulmonary embolism in a 81-year-old woman with thrombophilia

Abstract

A 81-year-old woman was referred to the emergency department after having syncopal episode two days earlier. A chest computed tomography demonstrated a right main pulmonary artery embolism. The only prominent risk factor for thromboembolism was her poor response to activated protein C. Seven days later she demonstrated acute-onset chest pain with elevated troponin. Cardiac angiography showed stenosis of left anterior descending coronary artery which was successfully treated with angioplasty and stent implantation. This case illustrates the coincidence and the importance of clinical suspicion for the early diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome during massive pulmonary embolism.