Coronary‐subclavian steal syndrome causing myocardial infarction after arteriovenous fistula creation: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Coronary subclavian steal syndrome (CSSS) caused by left subclavian artery (LSA) stenosis is a rare cause of myocardial infarction in patients having coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and it has also been observed after an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) was made. A 79‐year‐old woman who had undergone CABG years earlier and an AVF creation 1 month before experienced a non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). While selective catheterization of the left internal thoracic artery graft was impossible, a computed tomography scanner showed patency of all bypasses and proximal subocclusive LSA stenosis, and the digital blood pressure measurements objectified a haemodialysis‐induced distal ischaemia. LSA's angioplasty and covered stent placement were successfully performed, resulting in symptom remission. A CSSS‐induced NSTEMI due to a LSA stenosis aggravated by a homolateral AVF several years after CABG has been documented only infrequently. If vascular access is required in the presence of CSSS risk factors, the contralateral upper limb should be preferred.

Keywords

• Non ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
• Coronary subclavian steal syndrome
• Subclavian stenosis
• Arteriovenous fistula
• haemodialysis access‐induced distal ischaemia