Abstract 11532: Cardiac Complications in Polyarteritis Nodosa: A Case of Multi-Vessel Coronary Occlusion Treated With 4-Vessel Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Abstract

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a necrotizing vasculitis causing intimal proliferation, luminal narrowing, thrombosis, ischemia, and even infarction. Coronary manifestations are rare, though recent evidence suggests coronary disease may progress rapidly causing significant morbidity and mortality. We report a case of multi-vessel occlusive coronary artery disease (CAD) in a patient with systemic PAN, successfully managed with 4-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). An obese 53-year-old male with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and tobacco use presented with episodic epigastric pain. Serial troponins and EKGs did not suggest cardiac ischemia. Cardiac MRI showed concentric LV hypertrophy with preserved systolic function without signs of infiltrative disease or fibrosis. Abdominal CT demonstrated splenic infarction, luminal narrowing of the celiac axis, and abdominal aortic and bilateral iliac artery aneurysms. MRA revealed inflammation of the celiac, splenic, and common hepatic arteries. CT angiography revealed beading of the superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk, indicative of vasculitis. C3 and C4 levels were elevated. Polyarteritis nodosa was felt to be his unifying diagnosis. Prior to initiating cyclophosphamide, he returned with severe epigastric pain prompting admission. Endoscopy was negative. Coronary CT showed extensive calcification. Angiography revealed multi-vessel occlusive disease patterned with ectasia. He underwent 4-vessel CABG revascularization with LIMA-LAD and SVG-OM-LPDA-RPDA. After surgery, he began prednisone, dual anti-platelet, statin, beta-blocker, and angiotensin receptor blockade with rheumatology follow-up for optimal timing of cyclophosphamide initiation. For patients with systemic inflammatory conditions, recognition of atypical anginal events is crucial as typical identifiers of atherosclerosis may not be obvious. Bypass is definitive therapy, as stenting arteritic vessels may result in neo-endothelization. Clinicians must recognize increased risk of CAD while offering appropriate primary and secondary interventions such as screening imaging and knowledge of disease distribution for appropriate graft choice.