Compression of the left main coronary artery by a surgical implanted aortic valve prosthesis ­ a case report

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of mortality worldwide since the 1960s, including coronary syndrome and valve disease.Surgical implantation of an aortic valve prosthesis is usually a low-risk procedure,but it can be challenging in selected cases.We describe here a compression of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) by a surgical implanted Aortic Valve Prosthesis. Case reportFemale patient,53 years old,dyslipidemic,HIV positive,previous coronary artery disease(CAD)-elective percutaneous coronary intervention of the left anterior descending artery in 2020,and surgical aortic valve replacement on May, 2021. On December 24 this patient presented in the Emergency room with chest pain with 2 hours duration.Initial electrocardiogram demonstrated ST-segment elevation in AvR and persistent ST-segment depression in anterolateral wall of up to 2.0mm. Cardiac catheterization was indicated,demonstrating severe LMCA ostial lesion (90%),suggestive of extrinsic compression by the aortic bioprosthesis.Twenty four hours after the onset of the chest pain,a significant elevation of troponin was detected (12,810 ng/L ­ Reference value <11ng/L). After a Heart Team Decision,emergency coronary artery bypass surgery was indicated.The patient was discharged from hospital in 4 days after a successful procedure. CONCLUSION: Extrinsic compression of the LMCA as a cause of acute coronary syndrome is uncommon.The literature describes cases of coronary obstruction as a complication in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation,in cases of pulmonary hypertension and due to aneurysmal structures. However, extrinsic compression of LMCA by a surgical prosthetic valve is a very rare condition, as in this report, that may guide future therapeutic decisions in atypical cases.