Spontaneous recanalization of a completely occluded saphenous vein graft two months following acute myocardial infarction with persistent one year patency

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2009 Jul;28(1):101-5. doi: 10.1007/s11239-009-0339-x.

Abstract

Acute myocardial infarction resulting from saphenous vein graft occlusion occurs not infrequently in patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In this case report, we present a novel case of spontaneous recanalization of a thrombotic graft occlusion in a patient who presented with a subacute myocardial infarction. The patient was treated medically with aspirin as the only anti-platelet agent. Interestingly, he presented 2 months later with new onset angina. Coronary angiography demonstrated complete resolution of thrombus but a severe focal stenosis in the distal anastomoses. Following drug eluting stent placement, a favorable clinical course has ensued and patency confirmed on follow up angiography at 1 year.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aspirin / administration & dosage*
  • Coronary Artery Bypass*
  • Drug-Eluting Stents*
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myocardial Infarction / therapy*
  • Saphenous Vein

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Aspirin