Acute coronary syndrome due to extrinsic compression of the left main coronary artery in a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension: successful treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention

A patient with severe pulmonary (arterial) hypertension (PH) presented with a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and recurrent angina at rest. Coronary angiography showed severe ostial left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis; coronary arteries were otherwise normal. Intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) showed deformation of the LMCA due to extrinsic compression from a markedly dilated main pulmonary artery, which was confirmed by cardiac computed tomography. The LMCA was successfully stented using a paclitaxel-eluting stent resulting in complete resolution of angina. Extrinsic compression of the LMCA should be considered in patients with severe PH and angina; IVUS may aid in the diagnosis. Percutaneous stent implantation may be the preferred treatment in this high-risk group of patients.