P227 THE UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES OF A 30 METERS FALL

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a rare but often lethal consequence of a blunt cardiac trauma. Falls leading to coronary artery dissections are rare, thus underlining the lack of experience in their management. Case report description: a 55–year–old male patient with type 2 diabetes and no relevant past medical history was admitted to our hospital facility after a 30–meter fall during rock–climbing. On arrival, he was hemodynamically and neurologically stable. He underwent a full trauma evaluation: multiple facial bones fractures were diagnosed. An electrocardiogram revealed a QS morphology of the QRS and ST elevation in the precordial lead from V1 to V3 with reciprocal ST depression in the inferior leads. High sensitivity (hs) Troponin T was slightly elevated (49 ng/L, normal values <14 ng/L). A cardiac ultrasound documented a left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF 40%) with akinesia of mid–apical antero–septal and anterior walls. Biomarkers further increased with Troponin reaching 199 ng/L and creatinine phosphokinase–MB 24,7 ug/L (normal value <5 ug/L). Coronary angiography demonstrated proximal occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery with an image consistent with traumatic coronary artery dissection, confirmed by a cardiac CT scan showing the proximal occlusion of the LAD with retrograde perfusion of its downstream portion. Considering the left ventricular dysfunction, the elevation of cardiac biomarkers (peak CK–MB 187 ug/L, peak hs troponin T 5400 ng/L) and the acceptable hemorrhagic risk in spite of the need for facial surgery, a coronary angioplasty was performed. A dual antiplatlet therapy with acetilsalicidic acid and clopidogrel began. Nine days later the patient underwent the maxillo–facial surgery: clopidogrel was stopped provisionally and a bridge strategy using tirofiban was chosen. Post–operatory was uneventful. A full recovery of cardiac function was assessed after one year (LVEF of 55%). Discussion Few cases of blunt cardiac trauma with coronary artery dissections have been reported and treated successfully, with the LAD being the most frequently involved vessel (76%). If urgent non–cardiac surgery can be postponed, a percutaneus revascularization eventually followed by tirofiban as bridge therapy can be suggested, carefully considering the risk of stent thrombosis and the hemorrhagic risk conveyed by the trauma itself.