P226 A STRANGE CASE OF ISOLATED RIGHT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION

Abstract

Abstract Introduction In Europe, approximately 29% of the population aged between 15 and 64 have used illicit drugs. Italy is at the top of this ranking. Description 45–year–old female, no previous cardiology events. She enters the Emergency Department for typical chest pain following alcohol and cocaine abuse. EKG (see figure 1) detects sinus tachycardia and mild non–specific changes in ventricular repolarization. Blood tests reveal an increase in Troponin T levels (305 ng/L, NV < 14 ng/L, then decreased with subsequent measurements) and D–dimer (902 mg/mL, NV < 500 mg/mL). Echocardiography reveals a non–dilated right ventricle with severe systolic dysfunction (TAPSE 11 mm). No signs of pulmonary hypertension but a dilated and hypocollapsing inferior vena cava is noted. Abnormal motion of the interventricular septum with systolic d–shape is present (see figure 2). Left ventricle appears normal. Pulmonary angio–Tc was negative for embolic phenomena and coronary angiography detects no lesions on coronary arteries. At discharge, right ventricular systolic dysfunction and septal d–shape were completely regressed (see Figure 3). Discussion Cocaine is a strong systemic adrenergic agonist, which can cause vasospasm of small arterioles of the cardiac microcirculation with possible formation of intracoronary thrombi. Peculiarity of this case is the selective and reversible involvement of the right ventricle, an extremely rare presentation as evidenced by the almost absence of scientific literature on the subject (there is only a similar case report published on the American Journal of Emergency Medicine in 2015). Reversible damage from vasospasm and/or intracoronary thrombosis localized to the marginal branch of the right coronary artery, induced by cocaine use, is conceivable. D–shape of the interventricular septum associated with right ventricular dilatation is likely caused by acute right ventricular failure causing volume overload in the right sections. Take home message Drugs abuse is a widespread problem among the population. Cocaine intake is associated with important adverse cardiovascular effects. A rare presentation can be isolated right ventricular ischemia associated with acute right heart failure.