A case report of concurrent management of acute myocardial infarction complicated by left ventricular thrombus and ischaemic stroke
Yuka Kodama, Kenji Matsumoto, Hisashi Kubota, Onichi Furuya, Yoshio Kawase- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Abstract
Background
Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation is a serious complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) requiring complicated management strategies and collaboration among cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, and neurosurgeons.
Case Summary
We present the case of an 83-year-old female patient with AMI. Emergency coronary angiography revealed subtotal occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending artery, and the patient was successfully treated with a drug-eluting stent. The following day, she suddenly developed loss of consciousness, global aphasia, and right hemiplegia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed acute ischaemic cerebral infarction caused by multiple mobile LVT, as demonstrated by echocardiography. After a heart-brain team discussion, we decided to perform percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy. Successful recanalization was achieved with mechanical thrombectomy two hours after presentation, which resulted in significant neurological recovery. Immediately after the thrombectomy, she was transferred to a cardiovascular surgery center for surgical removal of multiple LV apical thrombi. Two weeks after the operation, the patient was discharged with the recovery of LV systolic function.
Discussion
Although AMI complicated by acute stroke caused by LVT remains a clinical challenge, a multidisciplinary approach is critically important for optimal care. Based on an urgent team discussion, we decided to perform endovascular thrombectomy for ischaemic stroke, followed by surgical removal of the LVT, requiring patient transportation to the cardiovascular surgery center. Given that the heart and brain team-based approach remains confined to large, specialised centers, it might be beneficial to establish a community-based integrated heart-brain team that can address the growing needs of complex patients.