Delayed coronary air embolism post re-do mitral valve replacement: A case report.

BACKGROUND

Coronary air embolism (CAE) is a complication that can lead to catastrophic outcomes, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and death. It is reported to occur during cardiac catheterization, within a few hours after cardiac surgery, or as a result of chest trauma. This is a case report of delayed coronary air embolism following cardiac surgery.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 58-year-old female presented with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II symptoms resulting from severe, highly eccentric anterior mitral regurgitation from a bio-prosthetic valve. She had preserved ejection function and a total calcium score of zero. This patient underwent a re-do mechanical mitral valve replacement. Two days post-surgery, she was brought to the catheterization laboratory with signs and symptoms suggestive of an inferior myocardial infarction (MI) and complete heart block (CHB). Her symptoms and ST changes resolved immediately after the introduction of angiographic contrast. Angiography revealed no occlusion in the right coronary artery (RCA).