Spontaneous coronary artery embolus associated with calcific aortic stenosis

Chest. 1994 Apr;105(4):1289-90. doi: 10.1378/chest.105.4.1289.

Abstract

Calcific embolization from aortic stenosis may be more frequent than commonly appreciated. Most calcific emboli are clinically silent, although transient ischemic attacks, cerebral infarcts, blindness (from central retinal artery occlusions), and myocardial infarctions have been reported. We describe a patient with calcific bicuspid aortic stenosis who presented with transient ischemic attacks and angina secondary to a calcific embolus to the second circumflex marginal coronary artery. The calcific embolus was retrieved during aortic valve replacement surgery. A review of the literature suggests that calcific embolization from calcific aortic stenosis may occur more commonly in patients with bicuspid valves.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / complications*
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / pathology
  • Calcinosis / complications*
  • Calcinosis / pathology
  • Coronary Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Disease / etiology*
  • Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Embolism / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography