Concurrent pulmonary embolism and acute coronary syndrome with dynamic electrocardiographic changes

Leriche syndrome in a patient with acute pulmonary embolism and acute myocardial infarction: a case report and review of literature

Background

Both acute myocardial infarction and acute pulmonary embolism are distinct medical urgencies while they may conincide. Leriche’s syndrome is a relatively rare aortoiliac occlusive disease characterized by claudication, decreased femoral pulses, and impotence. We present the first case of concomitant acute pulmonary embolism, acute myocardial infarction, and Leriche syndrome.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old male with a history of intermittent claudication was admitted for evaluating the sudden onset of chest pain. Elevated serum troponin level, sustained high D-dimer level, ST-T wave changes on electrocardiogram, and segmental wall motion abnormality of the left ventricle on transthoracic echocardiography were noted. Pulmonary Computed Tomography Angiogram revealed multiple acute emboli. Aortic Computed Tomography Angiogram spotted complete obstructions of the subrenal aorta and bilateral common iliac arteries with collateral circulation, maintaining the vascularization of internal and external iliac arteries. We stated the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism and Leriche syndrome and initiated oral anticoagulation. However, Q waves on electrocardiogram and wall motion abnormality on echocardiography persisted after embolus dissolved successfully. Coronary computed tomography angiogram found coronary arterial plaques while myocardial Positron Emission Tomography detected decreased viable myocardium of the left ventricle. We subsequently ratified the diagnosis of concurrent acute pulmonary embolism, acute myocardial infarction, and Leriche syndrome. The patient was discharged and has been followed up at our center.

Conclusion

We described the first concurrence of acute pulmonary embolism, acute myocardial infarction, and Leriche syndrome.

Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Focus on the Clinical Picture

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is characterized by numerous clinical manifestations which are the result of a complex interplay between different organs; the symptoms are therefore various and part of a complex clinical picture. For this reason, it may not be easy to make an immediate diagnosis. This is a comprehensive review of the literature on all the various clinical pictures in order to help physicians to promptly recognize this clinical condition, remembering that our leading role as cardiologists depends on and is influenced by our knowledge and working methods.