Simultaneous multi-vessel coronary thrombosis in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a systematic review

Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with simultaneous multiple coronary thrombosis has been described, however; the available information about the clinical presentation and management of this condition is scarce. We searched the Medline and Web of Science databases from 1990 until August 2014 for all case reports, case series, and observational studies that reported simultaneous multi-vessel thrombosis at the time of the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We excluded the articles that reported an identifiable cause for coronary thrombosis. A total of 29 articles were retrieved yielding 56 patients. Patients were predominantly males (88%) with a mean age of 59 years. Cardiogenic shock was the predominant presentation (41%). Simultaneous thrombosis of the left anterior descending and right coronary arteries was the commonest angiographic finding (50%). Primary PCI was the main treatment modality and an intra-aortic balloon pump was utilized in 38% of the cases. The in-hospital mortality was 5%. Simultaneous multi-vessel thrombosis at the time of STEMI presents a rare condition. The cases reported in the literature presented with a high incidence of cardiogenic shock. Larger studies are needed to address the proper management and evaluate the outcomes associated with this condition.