A 44 years-old male patient surviving total occlusion of the left main coronary artery (STEMI) accompanied with cardiogenic shock

Introduction Thrombus occlusion of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a poorly prognostic condition that is commonly associated with mortality especially when complicated with cardiogenic shock. Presentation of case In this report, we presented a case for 44 years-old male patient who is not known to have ischemic heart disease. He was transferred from a peripheral hospital for emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after presenting with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated with cardiogenic shock. Discussion The PCI revealed complete occlusion of the LMCA with a thrombus which was stented and the patient regain his cardiovascular stability. The patient survived this complete occlusion that was complicated with cardiogenic shock giving the quick intervention with the PCI and the use of the circulatory support devices. Conclusion The PCI procedure with the intra-aortic balloon pump should be available and offered early for patients with STEMI complicated with cardiogenic shock. This could be very critical in increasing the survival rates for those patients.
Highlights • A case of a patient who survived a complete LMCA occlusion. • Total LM occlusion often associated with lifethretining arrhythmia. • A Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with intra-aortic balloon pump should be available and offered early for patients with cardiogenic shock.