Multivessel coronary thrombosis secondary to cocaine use successfully treated with multivessel primary angioplasty

Abstract

Cocaine use has been associated with a significant risk of myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction (MI).1– 2 The previous approach to the treatment of cocaine‐induced MI focused on medical treatment with verapamil, nitroglycerine and thrombolytics. Percutaneous revascularization for the cocaine‐associated MI has been reported and is the preferred treatment modality.3 Identification of culprit vessel in the patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction associated with cocaine use is problematic owing to the frequent presence of baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) changes. Chronic cocaine use predisposes to diffuse coronary vasculopathy and may cause systemic alteration of coagulation parameters. Multivessel coronary thrombosis presenting as myocardial infarction associated with cocaine use has not been previously reported. This study describes a case of multivessel coronary thrombosis caused by cocaine ingestion successfully treated with multivessel primary angioplasty. (Int J Cardiovasc Intervent 2004; 1: 39–42)

• cocaine
• myocardial infarction
• thrombosis
• coronary angioplasty
• stent
• coronary artery disease