Successful treatment of left main coronary artery total occlusion combined with cardiogenic shock

Abstract

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) caused by total occlusion of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a catastrophic event. However, the clinical features and appropriate treatment of patients with this condition remain unclear. We report a man with total occlusion of the LMCA presenting with AMI combined with cardiogenic shock. He was successfully treated with angioplasty and drug-eluting stent implantation assisted by an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). This case suggests that percutaneous coronary intervention may be an optional therapeutic strategy in these patients, and that IABP implantation could improve clinical outcomes. A dominant right coronary artery and enhanced collateral circulation were considered to be key features related to the patient’s survival.