Abstract 11597: A Rare Cause of an NSTEMI: Left Main Coronary Artery Compression in a Patient With Pulmonary Hypertension

Background: Pulmonary hypertension has varying effects on cardiac function. Though uncommon, a dilated pulmonary artery can cause decreased coronary perfusion through extrinsic compression of the left main coronary artery (LMCA). While the most common presentation of LMCA compression is angina, acute coronary syndrome is rare.

Case Summary: An 81-year-old female with a history of group 3 pulmonary hypertension presenting with neck and shoulder pain was found to have elevated cardiac biomarkers and EKG findings remarkable for isolated ST elevation in aVR with diffuse ST depressions in all other leads, consistent with a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed left main coronary artery compression that was successfully intervened on with placement of a single drug eluding stent. Right heart catheterization was remarkable for evidence of severe pulmonary hypertension with a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 60 mmHg.

Discussion: Given the patient’s past medical history, presenting symptoms, coronary and right heart catheterization findings the etiology of her acute coronary syndrome presentation was thought to be driven by left main coronary artery compression from pulmonary artery dilation. Pulmonary artery dilation in individuals with a history of pulmonary hypertension is common, with several modalities available to evaluate for this anatomic compensatory measure. Management for left main coronary artery compression in this patient population is percutaneous coronary intervention. Future studies to determine if routine screening for coronary compression in patients with pulmonary hypertension is needed.