Coronary artery perforation: How to treat it?

Case report: Takotsubo syndrome following percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), which is frequently secondary to severe emotional (fear, anxiety, etc.) or physical stress, is an acute reversible heart failure syndrome characterized by temporary left ventricular regional systolic dysfunction. Nevertheless, TTS after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is rare, and its clinical characteristics are easily confused with complications after PCI.

CASE PRESENTATION

This article reports a case of TTS induced by psychological and physical pressure after successful PCI in our institution. The patient had symptoms comparable to complications after PCI, including V1-V5 ST segment elevation and T wave changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) and troponin elevation. Coronary angiogram, left ventricle opacification (LVO), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were performed to exclude postoperative complications. Diagnosis of TTS was eventually achieved.

CONCLUSION

We cannot dismiss the risk of TTS in patients who have unexplained V1-V5 ST segment elevation and T wave changes of ECG and troponin elevation following successful PCI. Meanwhile, medical personnel should provide mental, cultural, and emotional services to patients in addition to essential diagnostic and treatment technical services during the perioperative period.

Extravasation control with preserved vessel patency after wire perforation during neurothrombectomy: Case report and literature review

Parallel to a more widespread application of endovascular neurothrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke, it is critical to understand the nature and management of associated complications, including wire perforation of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Sacrifice of the perforated vessel may be necessary to avoid fatal intra-cranial hemorrhage. Here we describe a case of right MCA distribution ischemia complicated by a right MCA perforation. Using super selective injection of contrast through a microcatheter, the point of extravasation was located and sealed with liquid embolic agent (Onyx) while preserving patency of the MCA. By avoiding vessel sacrifice, blood perfusion to distal areas was preserved and therefore the patient was discharged with minimal neurological impairment. Causes of perforation and technical aspects to control extravasation are further discussed.

Coronary artery perforation complicating percutaneous coronary intervention

Background Coronary artery perforation is a rare but serious complication of percutaneous coronary interventions. We aimed to evaluate the management of coronary artery perforation in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq. Methods A retrospective review of our medical records from 2009 to 2016 identified 24 patients (15 males, 9 females) with coronary artery perforation. Mean age was 60 ± 9.2 years (range 40-74 years). Standard diagnostic angiography or percutaneous interventions were performed. Coronary artery perforation was diagnosed by worsening of symptoms, hypotension, or angiographic evidence of type I (extraluminal crater), II (myocardial or pericardial blushing), or III (contrast streaming or cavity spilling) perforation. Stenosis was graded as >85%, 60%-85%, or < 60%. Once coronary artery perforation was diagnosed, heparin was reversed, antiplatelets were stopped, and pericardial effusions were aspirated. Type II and III coronary artery perforations were sealed using covered stents or repeated brief balloon inflations. Results The most frequently injured artery was the left anterior descending ( n = 14, 58.3%). Type II and III coronary artery perforations constituted the majority ( n = 18, 75%). Thirteen (54.2%) patients had severe coronary stenosis. Perforations were caused by stents ( n = 10), angioplasty wires ( n = 8), and balloons ( n = 6). Fifteen perforations were sealed with covered stents, 2 by balloon inflations, and 7 resolved spontaneously. Pericardial effusion was drained in 13 (54.2%) patients. No patient required surgery, and none died. Conclusion The low rate and early management of coronary artery perforations, mainly by covered stents, were the hallmarks of this study.

Complications of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: Subepicardial hematoma

A 67-year-old man with coronary artery disease and previous coronary underwent successful Guideliner reverse CART percutaneous coronary intervention of a chronic total occlusion of the right coronary artery. He later developed evidence of myocardial ischemia, and imaging, including angiogram, echocardiogram, and cardiac computed tomography revealing active dye extravasation from the previously normal RV marginal branches, in addition to a large subepicardial hematoma. Despite these dramatic findings, the patient remained hemodynamically stable and pain-free, with resolving ECG changes. Thus, with close clinical observation, the patient did not undergo pericardiocentesis or other invasive procedures, and was discharged home safely. This review evaluates the complications of CTO-PCI, with a focus on subepicardial hematomas, discussing diagnosis and management of this highly morbid complication.