No abstract

The role of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in the development of atherosclerosis has been recently recognized, and the current recommendation is to measure Lp(a) once in a lifetime in all individuals, in order to identify those at risk for developing an acute coronary syndrome or recurrent events, even in the absence of other cardiovascular risk factors. We present the case of a middle-aged patient with recurrent cardiovascular events, in whom we identified high levels of Lp(a) as a possible explanation of the recurrent events.

Cardiovascular disorders have been described as relevant risk factor for severe COVID infection. Stent thrombosis is a life-threatening complication that may occur subacutely. We present an interesting case of a middle-aged woman who developed acute stent thrombosis while interrupting dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) ticagrelor, during an episode of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In our case, the patient’s not-compliance to DAPT, associated with COVID-19 infection and a hyperinflammatory and hypercoagulable state associated with it played a major role in the development of stent thrombosis. The hypercoagulable and hyperinflammatory state associated with COVID-19 has important implications for cardiac patients, especially those undergoing complex coronary intervention, predisposing them to an increased risk of post-PCI complications.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by the George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Research Grant number NR. 164 / 26 / 10.01.2023. Background Cardiac arrest (CA) is the most severe complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The role of different factors related to the site and severity of coronary occlusion in the pathogenesis of AMI-related cardiac arrest is still under investigation. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between (1) different cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) features associated with the location and severity of the myocardial injury, and (2) the risk of CA accompanying an AMI. Methods In total, 54 patients AMI undergoing post-AMI CMR imaging with delayed gadolinium enhancement were enrolled in the study. The study lot was divided into 2 groups: group 1–8 patients who survived a CA in the acute phase of AMI and group 2–46 patients, matched for age and gender, with AMI but without CA. In all patients, infarct mass, the proportion of high transmural extent, and scar mass at different myocardial segments were calculated using the QMap software (Medis BV). Results Compared to patients without CA, those with CA had a significantly higher infarct mass (47.9 +/- 38 g versus 23.3 g, p = 0.03), infarct mass % (26.9 +/ 17.3% vs 15.1 +/- 8.6 %, p = 0.02), and a higher degree of transmurality (29.28 +/- 20.2 % vs 14.1 +/- 9.2 %, p = 0.01). Location of myocardial injury at the level of latero-apical, anterolateral, and bazal anterior segments seemed to be more frequently associated with the risk of CA in the acute phase of AMI: infarct mass 33.9 +/- 30.6 g in group 1 vs 13.6 +/- 17.3 g in group 2, p = 0.02 for the latero-apical segment, 26.5 +/- 29.0 g in group 1 vs 8.9 +/- 12.8 g in group 2, p = 0.02 for the anterolateral segment, and 20.1 +/- 21.5 g in group 1 vs 7.8 +/- 14.7 g in group 2, p = 0.02 for anterobazal segment. Conclusions Myocardial mas, high transmural extent at CMR imaging, and a large myocardial injury identified by CMR at the level of the anterior and lateral ventricular segments seems to be associated with an increased risk of CA in the acute phase of AMI.

In acute coronary syndromes, timely revascularization of the obstructed artery is crucial. In young patients, acute myocardial infarction can have a very severe evolution and is frequently associated with cardiogenic shock. We present the case of a 36-year-old male patient, smoker with no other apparent risk factors for coronary artery disease, who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing tennis. Emergency coronary angiography revealed acute occlusion of the left anterior descendent artery, which was promptly revascularized. The patient had a good clinical evolution and was discharged after six days. The case underlines the importance of a well-functioning emergency system and STEMI network, able to provide life-saving therapy in a timely manner.